Wilmington Civil Servants and First Responders recognized at awards ceremony

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An awards ceremony was held for local first responders on Sunday.

The ceremony was held at Silver Lake Baptist Church off Carolina Beach Road and recognized Fire Fighter of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, and Deputy of the Year. 

 WPD Police Chief Donnie Williams and Sheriff Ed McMahon were also in attendance. 

New Hanover County Deputy Corporal Russell Willis received deputy of the year for his work as a detention officer. He says it’s a privilege to see the community recognize the hard work of first responders. 

“A lot of hard work, a lot of sweat, a lot of tears, a lot of headache, a lot of stress, but I am honored and a lot of my hard work has paid off,” said Willis. 

Congratulations to all the first responders who were recognized.