First Responders Honored By Optimist Clubs

Six area first responders were recognized for their outstanding efforts over the past year by the Noonday Optimist Club and Sunrise Optimist Club Thursday night at the Sedalia Country Club.
The six first responders were singled out for the honor at the Optimists' annual Respect For Law Banquet. They included:

Sedalia Police Department Officer Nicklous Camirand, Sedalia Fire Department Driver Christopher Maggert, Pettis County Firefighter Austin Payne, Pettis County Ambulance District EMT Bobby Schieber, Sedalia-Pettis County EMA Volunteer Connie Koch and Missouri State Highway Patrol Lt. Nathan Ahern.

The Pettis County Sheriff Department's recipient, Deputy Todd Asbury, is the seventh recipient, and will be recognized at the Noonday Optimists' regular meeting on Tuesday, Myers said. The Sheriff's Department held its own awards ceremony at the same time Thursday night at Cornerstone Baptist Church.

James Remillard, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency director, was the guest speaker for the event.

Girl Scout Troop 30199 presented the colors at the start of the dinner, and also presented a “bouquet of cookies” to each award recipient.

Noonday Optimist Secretary-Treasurer Jason Myers said he was pleased with the turnout.

He added that Remillard was a very motivational, inspirational speaker who has done it all since 1992. Remillard is a retired highway patrolman, and his speech "hit home with a lot of people," Myers said.

Myers also noted that the Optimists have recognized first responders for at least 35 years with the Respect For Law banquet.

"It's just a way for our club to honor all of the first responders. Even though it's titled 'Respect For Law,' it encompasses all first responders. They do a lot for us every day, and they need to be honored," Myers concluded.