Local VFW Presents 2019 Edmonson County Community Service Awards

Local Firefighter, Police Officer, EMT, Teacher, Scout of the Year Honored

Darren Doyle, story: photos submitted by VFW Post 6937:
Five different Edmonson County residents were honored by ​Brownsville VFW Post 6937 Post on Friday, December 6th by Commander Floyd Houston for their outstanding service to the local community. 

Firefighter of the year was presented to James Thomas Carroll (J.T.)

Firefighter of the year was presented to James Thomas Carroll (J.T.), a resident of Sunfish and the Chief of the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department. The VFW said in a statement,"He helped found the Department in 1981 and has been the Fire Chief for 21 years.  J.T. has also been a member of the Edmonson County Rescue Squad for 41 years.  It would be impossible for us today to even estimate the number of volunteer hours contributed and the risks taken by Chief Carroll over his lifetime of service."

Police Officer of the Year was presented to Deputy Jordan Jones

Police Officer of the Year was presented to Deputy Jordan Jones, who has been with the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office for five years and is a combat veteran of the conflict in Afghanistan where he served with the Army’s famed 101st Airborne Division. 

​The VFW said in a statement: "Jordan is personally responsible for establishing K9 services here and on 8 January, he and his partner Tango will premiere in A&E’s new K9 competition series, “America’s Top Dog.”  Jordan is also responsible for saving the DARE Program in our schools when the expense became too high for them to sustain.  In the words of Sheriff Doyle, “His dedication to duty and military background have brought a new and invigorating perspective to our Law enforcement and community.”"

EMT of the year was presented to Walter Lindsey

EMT of the year was presented to Walter Lindsey, who began his career in 2004 as a part-time EMT and began working as a full-time EMT for Edmonson County in 2015.  According to the VFW, "He holds the following certifications:  Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Prehospital Trauma Life Support, Advanced Medical Life Support, as well as four separate certifications in FEMA’s Incident Command Response System.  He sets the example and is a great asset to Edmonson County’s Emergency Medical Services."

High School Teacher of the Year was presented to Joy Curtis

High School Teacher of the Year was presented to Joy Curtis, a teacher for 22 years.  The VFW stated, "She currently teaches 10th Grade, Transitional Math for 12th Grade, as well as, College level Algebra and Calculus.  Joy is married to Derek Curtis and they have two children, Dalton and Dakotah,  The family resides in the Wingfield community."

Eagle Scout of the Year was presented to 16 year-old Derick Jaggers

Eagle Scout of the Year was presented to 16 year-old Derick Jaggers, one of the founding members of Boy Scout Troop 597. He was awarded Eagle Scout on October 30, 2019. "Only about 1 in 70 Scouts will earn Scouting’s top honor and those Scouts are credited nationally with leading their fellow Scouts in providing 13.5 million hours of service each year at a value to the nation of almost $300B," said the VFW.  In a statement, they also stated: "Derick’s Eagle project took 250 hours and it cleared the almost lost to overgrowth Shobe Cemetery which contains graves dating back to the 1830’s.  Derick is the son of Eric and Gena Jaggers of the Sweeden community."


The press release from the VFW also said, "We thank all of our Community Service awardees for their spectacular contributions to Edmonson County."