The Rotary Club of Alpharetta honored three of the City’s top public safety officers last month with the Rotary Hometown Hero Award on Friday, April 16. The awards were based on service above and beyond the call of duty and exceptional bravery.

Ms. Robin Barton was awarded the Rotary 911 Dispatcher of the Year. Officer Michael Esposito was awarded Rotary Police Officer of the Year. Officer Esposito was previously awarded the Police Medal of Valor. Lieutenant Matthew Bozer was awarded the Rotary Firefighter of the Year. All three were already employees of the year from each department.

To say that Alpharetta’s Public Safety Department is exceptional is not an exaggeration. The Alpharetta 911 Communications Center is one of only six emergency contact centers in the world to earn Tri-ACE Certification issued by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, the highest distinction in emergency connection services. The Alpharetta Fire Department is one of 393 out of 40,000 fire departments nationwide to have a Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of 1. The highest rating possible.

In the words of Chief John Robison, "we are not only there to protect and serve but to enhance the quality of life in Alpharetta. Our police, fire, and 911 departments operate from three core values. 1)Courageous Spirit - Risks of the job are real. We persevere in the face of adversity. 2)Selfless Service - Put the welfare of the public above your own and add value to others. 3)Excellence with integrity – Do what is right and do it well."