Top First Responders Recognized By Sedalia Optimists

The Sedalia Noonday Optimist “Respect For Law” banquet was held last Thursday evening at the Sedalia Country Club, 5074 State Hwy Y.

The guest speaker for the event was a representative from K9s on the Front Line. He was a last-minute replacement for the intended guest speaker, Jason Howe, who experienced a flat tire on his way to the banquet and didn’t make it to Sedalia in time.

The annual event recognized the top first responders for their work over the past year in this area, including:

Sedalia Police Department Officer of the Year Justin Franken

Pettis County Sheriff’s Detective David Hockaday

Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Aaron S. Craig

Sedalia Fire Lt. Nathaniel Nevels

Pettis County Firefighter Thomas Gardner

Sedalia Pettis County Emergency Management Agency Volunteer Amber Nerad

Pettis County Ambulance District registered Flight Nurse Dustin Hubbard

Pettis County Joint Communications Specialist II Aimee Burns

Boy Scout Troop 61 posted the colors at the start of the program.