NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Rotary Club of Niceville-Valparaiso recognized top first responders from across the community for their exceptional service in 2023 during a ceremony in Niceville on February 19.
The honorees each embody Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” according to the Rotary Club, and were each nominated by their respective departments.
Honored first responders include:
Firefighter of the Year:
- Niceville and Valparaiso Fire Departments: Firefighter Mack Regans
- East Niceville Fire District: Fire Engineer Landon Bigner
- North Bay Fire District: Captain James Harris
- Eglin Air Force Base Fire Department: Senior Airman Justin Henry (Military) & Captain Michael Aaron (Civilian)
Police Officer of the Year:
- Niceville Police Department: Officer John Newby
- Valparaiso Police Department: Officer Glen Michaels
- Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Gregory Rubo
EMS Person of the Year:
- Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic Ambria Irlbeck
Eglin Air Force Base
- Security Forces Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Alexis Dallacosta
- Security Forces Non-commissioned Officer of the Year: Technical Sergeant Chelsea Drake-Green
- Security Forces Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sergeant Vanessa Perkins
- Security Forces Company Grade Officer of the Year: Captain Marquis Taylor
- Security Forces Category I Civilian of the Year: Corporal Timothy Briglia
- Security Forces Category II Civilian of the Year: Officer Gregory Wise
- Military Fire Officer of the Year: Technical Sergeant Matthew Miller
- Civilian Fire Officer of the Year: Mr. Todd Lawrence
The Rotary Club expressed gratitude for the dedication and bravery of these first responders, who work tirelessly to keep the community safe. The ceremony also recognized the significant contributions of the Eglin Air Force Base Security Forces and Fire Department, which play a vital role in the well-being of the Twin Cities area.
While not all individuals were pictured, the Rotary Club acknowledges the exceptional service of every award recipient.
