The Richmond Hill Exchange Club handed out its yearly public service awards at its weekly luncheon March 26, recognizing those who put their lives on the line daily to help save the lives of other county citizens.

 The club recognized sheriff's deputies, police officers, EMS professionals, along with firefighters from both ends of Bryan County.

    Those honored included:

    * Cpl. Toby Cameron -  2018 Bryan County Deputy of the Year.

    * Stephen Purvis - 2018 Bryan County Firefighter of the Year.

    * Thomas Cook - 2018 Bryan County Emergency Services Paramedic of the Year.

    * Cpl. David Mizell - 2018 Pembroke Police Officer of the Year.

    * Capt. David Cook - 2018 Pembroke Firefighter of the Year.

    * Capt. John Cook - 2018 Richmond Hill Firefighter of the Year.

    * Det. Bobby Linton - 2018 Richmond Hill Police Officer of the Year.

    Exchange club president Janet Thayer said it was an honor to be among those who serve unselfishly day-after-day.

    "They do so much for the citizens in our county," she said.

    Most of the honorees said they were humbled to be recognized for doing their jobs. Many thanked their superiors for having faith in them and many thanked their spouses for enduring what is often a difficult but very satisfying lifestyle.

    "I want to thank my sheriff. He opened the door for me. I appreciate this community," Cpl. Cameron said.

    "I want to thank my chief, he's been really good to me. He's a great chief and I thank him. I try to my job and try to do it right," Purvis said.

    For the first time, police and firefighters from Pembroke were recognized.

    "I want to thank the fine people of Pembroke for allowing me to serve them and also my wife," Mizell said to a round of applause.

    "I want to thank the Exchange Club...out of all my years of service, I've never worked for a more dedicated group of firefighters. It's a great honor for me to receive this," Cook said.

    "I'd like to thank the Exchange Club, the city of Richmond Hill and my chief and the most understanding wife in the world," Linton said.

    "It was a great honor and privilege to present these awards today. Next year we'll do it again," club president Janet Thayer said.

    "This is at least the 30th year we've done this. It's one of our best programs. We really appreciate the work everyone does," said past president Lynn Bennett.