Public Service Awards Celebrate Local Heroes
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The 2025 City of Vidalia Public Service Awards brought several local heroes and their families together last month, as the ceremony honored those who went above and beyond to serve their community. Both the Vidalia Fire and Police Departments recognized several individuals who had excelled in their work throughout the year with numerous awards.
One of the most sentimental awards presented was the Wesley Award, which was given out by the Vidalia Fire Department. The Wesley Award – formerly known as the Fire Chief ’s Award – was renamed this year to honor the in- continued from page
dividual that first received the recognition – late Firefighter Wesley Ward.
During the presentation, Assistant Fire Chief Robert Tillman explained that prior to his passing, Ward was known throughout the community as a loyal, dedicated public servant, as he volunteered with fire departments in Vidalia, Lyons, and Toombs County before becoming a paid employee of the Vidalia Fire Department. Ward also gave his time and efforts to the Toombs-Montgomery EMS, and anywhere else that he could volunteer and help those in need.
Ward passed away on August 4, 2024, after sustaining serious injuries in a car accident in Montgomery County. The Vidalia Fire Department is continuing to honor Ward’s memory by presenting the Wesley Award to an individual that exhibits the same love and loyalty to the community and dedication to serving the area as best that they can.
Vidalia City Manager Josh Beck was named the inaugural Wesley Award recipient, as Vidalia Fire Chief Brian Sikes emphasized that he believed there was no one more deserving of the honor than Beck. Other Fire Department Awards Fire Chief Sikes and Assistant Chief Tillman presented several other awards to the firefighters and an award to a state arson investigator.
Firefighter Ethan Towns was named the Volunteer of the Year, while Firefighter Parker Allred took home the Rookie of the Year award. Firefighter Jonas Blackwell was named the Department’s Firefighter of the Year, and Captain Kristopher Owens was recognized as the Fire Officer of the Year.
Arson Investigator and K-9 Handler T.J. Le-Guin was thanked for his collaboration with the Department, as he was presented the 2025 Community Partnership Service Award.
Police Department Awards
Vidalia Police Chief Robert Shore recognized several officers for their accomplishments throughout 2025.
Communications Officer Jasmine Pierce was named the 2025 Employee of the Year, while Officer Angel Castro was presented with the Rookie of the Year award. Officer James Simmons was celebrated as the Officer of the Year.
Lieutenant Kelsey Coursey took home two awards, as she was named the Supervisor of the Year and the Department’s Top Gun, meaning she has the most precision and accuracy when shooting.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Skylar Reese was presented with the Community Service Award, as the Department thanked Reese for assisting with investigations and building strong relationships with the public throughout the year.
The Public Service Awards are held annually, as the two Departments come together to celebrate the local heroes who shined brightest throughout the year.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SERVICE AWARD — Arson Investigator T.J. LeGuin.
VPD ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Officer Angel Castro.
OFFICER OF THE YEAR – James Simmons.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR – Jasmine Pierce.
VFD ROOKIE OF THE YEAR — Firefighter Parker Allred.
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR – Lieutenant Kelsey Coursey.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR – Jonas Blackwell.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – Firefighter Ethan Towns.
TOP GUN – Lieutenant Kelsey Coursey.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Skylar Reese.
