Legion post presents annual awards

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Four individuals were singled out for special recognition at an annual awards ceremony conducted by John F. Thompson American Legion Post 52 on July 5.
Stan Holt was honored as Fireman of the Year; Ezekial Eubanks, Policeman of the Year; Wendy Crow, Teacher of the Year; and Billy Shepard, Legionnaire of the Year.
Each of the recipients received an engraved plaque to commemorate the honor.
A volunteer firefighter with first responder certification and 20 years of service, Holt was described by Fire Chief Steve Shelton as a loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer.
"He's a valuable asset to our department," Shelton said. "He's very knowledgeable about our equipment and operations and when we need help on directions to a particular location we can depend on him for help. He knows the city like the back of his hand."
Holt worked in the police department as a 911 dispatcher for 13 years and is currently serving as the city's court clerk/magistrate.
Crow, a third shift patrolman, was on vacation and not able to be present to accept her award.
Police Chief Ron Puckett said Eubanks was selected for the honor by vote of his fellow officers.
"He is a well respected officer who demonstrates a lot of dedication and enthusiasm," Puckett said.
Crow is a math and science teacher at Crestline Elementary School who travels during the summer to inform other teachers how to incorporate a hands-on approach to teaching in their lesson plans. She joined the staff at Crestline as a third grade teacher in 1995.
"Wendy, a mother of triplets, did not always want to be a teacher," Crestline principal Robin Varwig said. "But that changed once she got involved with her students. She's a teacher who is willing to go the extra mile to help all of them."
Shepard, according to Post 52 commander John Paul Johnson, "was always there willing to work when I asked him to so something."
He was recovering from surgery and not able to be present to accept his award.