Different members of the community were recognized Thursday afternoon for their work in keeping the community safe.
The 19th annual Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition, FOPA, and FOP Safety Awards luncheon rewarded those that have contributed to the safety of Allen County citizens. The awards spanned 10 different categories like youth safety, traffic safety, and more, including the Ehrnsberger family, who promote driving sober in memory of their son Aaron.
"All I've done is try to get my son's story out and try to help somebody else from going through the suffering that that we went through, it's nice that people care enough to actually notice us," said Candice Ehrnsberger.
One of the other winners was former Allen County Sheriff Jim Everett, whose wife Pam says that he would have been honored to receive the award.
"It just really means a lot for our family to be here in recognition of this awesome award that the community is giving him," Everett said.
Winners include:
Fire Safety Award -Â Jordan Hempker, American Township Fire Department
Youth Safety Award -Â Interact Club, Bath Local Schools
Children Safety Award -Â Leigha Shoup, Child Advocacy Center of West Central Ohio
School Safety Award -Â Kelly Schooler, Perry Local Schools
EMS Award -Â Lima Memorial Health Systems, EMS Program
Traffic Safety Award - Sgt. Shawn D. Cook, Ohio State Highway Patrol
Engineer Award - Kirk Slusher, ODOT District One
Special Recognition -Â Jamie Hardwick, Allen County Juvenile Court
Outstanding Citizens' Award - Ehrnsberger Family
Lifetime Achievement Award -Â Sheriff James K. "Jimmy" Everett, Allen County Sheriff's Office
