Rockwall, TX (April 4, 2025) – At their annual First Responders Recognition Luncheon on April 3, the Rockwall Noon Rotary Club proudly recognized and celebrated the extraordinary men and women who serve the Rockwall County community. For over 30 years, the Rotary Club has held this event to express their appreciation for the dedicated individuals who put their lives on the line every day, ensuring the safety, security, health, and well-being of all who call Rockwall County home.
Club president, Darby Nielsen, noted the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of these incredible men and women and how they exemplify “service above self”, also the primary motto of the Rotary and their attention to service and humanitarian efforts.
Trevor Reed and Dustin Ray introduced the following departments and award recipients:
McLendon Chisholm Fire Department
Fire Fighter of the Year – Colton Barber
Colton began as a volunteer fire fighter working his way up to a driver position. As Chief Jim Simmons shared, “Colton is known throughout the department to be one of the first to take the lead on any projects or offer help”.
Rockwall Fire Department
Fire Fighter of the Year – Inspector Sam Stephenson
Sam was one of Chief Cullins’ first hires when joining the Rockwall department. “Sam was selected by his peers for his commitment to the role of inspector, investigator, and educator for the Explorers program,” said Chief Kenneth Cullins. Adding that Sam “always puts other people before himself”.
Heath Department of Public Safety
Officer of the Year – Trever Adams
Following a career change in 2018, Officer Adams has advanced in his role to serving as a Field Training Officer and, as Chief Brandon Seery shared, “is continually seeking to learn more each day”.
Royse City Police Department
Officer of the Year – Officer Evan Fletcher
Joining the department in 2022 as a patrol officer following his service as a captain in the US Army, Officer Fletcher now serves in the Army Reserves and is described by Chief Kirk Aldridge as “a natural leader in the police department”.
Rockwall Police Department
Officer of the Year – Detective Steven Nagy
Chief Edward Fowler spoke highly of Detective Nagy and his 24 years of service – 19 years in patrol and 15 years as field training officer – saying, “he is an excellent detective, and husband and father to his family”.
Rockwall County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy of the Year – Eduardo Marroquin
Since joining the department in 2016, Deputy Marroquin serves the patrol division and SWAT team, and the National Guard. Sheriff Terry Garrett described Deputy Marroquin as being “always on alert” during the night shift. Sheriff Garrett elaborated on a recent event where Deputy Marroquin spotted a suspicious car that he began to follow which resulted in the suspects firing at the deputy’s car. Upon subsequent arrest, the department discovered the suspects were largely involved in criminal activity, taking another criminal off our streets.
Those recognized but unable to attend:
Fate Department of Public Safety Chief Lyle Lombard
Fire Fighter of the Year – Colton Stringer
Officer of the Year – John Kissane
Rockwall County EMS Mitch Ownby and Scott Bell
Paramedic of the Year – Josie McGillem
Royse City Fire Department Chief Tanner Dietz
Fire Fighter of the Year – Branden Cook
In closing, Rotarian Trevor Reed spoke to the unity of the Rockwall County departments. What unites each department is the camaraderie they display in working together to ensure the safety of all. Clearly these recipients are excellent examples of the sense of duty and commitment to the greater good with a willingness to face danger on behalf of our citizens, answering the call without hesitation. Darby Nielsen also acknowledge appreciation for their families, who play a significant role by supporting their loved one, despite knowing that each shift brings the unknown.
On behalf of the community, the Rotary Club expresses their deepest appreciation for their unwavering commitment and proactive presence. The Rotary Club pledges their continued support of our local heroes, so that their sacrifice is seen, valued, and appreciated.
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Photos by BRN Media.
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