In Rotary’s ideals of Vocational Service, our Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, First Responders, and other public safety personnel serve above self within their profession each day. They ask for a fair wage and the opportunity to serve, yet their level of service has the potential to far exceed normal expectations of “Service Above Self.” Rotary International developed a method for Rotary Clubs to honor those community heroes who share its motto of “Service Above Self” within their professions and the club reached out to leaders in law enforcement and public safety for nominations.

In this second year of awarding the Rotary National Medal of Honor, the Rotary Club of Americus recently recognized four public service personnel for providing exemplary service to the citizens of the Americus and Sumter County community. The club honored them with a luncheon held on Tuesday, May 10 in the Marshall Private Dining Room on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University.

Corporal Sherman Anthony of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the Rotary “Service Above Self” National Medal of Honor for Deputy of the Year. Corporal Anthony has served as a dedicated public servant with the Sheriff’s Office since July of 2011 and was nominated by Sheriff Eric Bryant. His work ethic pared with a professional and courteous attitude sets him apart and he is heralded for providing exemplary service to the citizens of Sumter County.

Theo Baldwin was recognized with the National Medal of Honor for Firefighter of the Year, nominated by Chief Jerry Harmon of the Sumter County Fire Department. Baldwin was recognized for going the extra mile in everything he does and for constantly striving to do more and learn more, making him a wealth of knowledge and an invaluable asset to the department.

Scott Manucy, was nominated by Chief Roger Bivins and awarded the National Medal of Honor for Firefighter of the Year. He is an engineer with 15 years of exemplary service with the department and embodies a “can do” attitude and a true spirit of service. He has consistently put the citizens, City of Americus, and the fire department needs as a primary goal, interacting with every member of the public with the professionalism expected. His work habits and compassion serve as a good example for everyone and he is very well-respected within the department.

Detective Sergeant Cedric Smith received the National Medal of Honor for Police Officer of the Year, having selflessly served the Americus Police Department for 16 years. He was nominated by Americus Police Chief Mark Scott.  Described as hardworking, dependable, and positive, he has received a number of accolades, including the department’s Meritorious Service award. He approaches every task and assignment with a “can-do” attitude and is always the first to sign up for extra assignments. Whether supervising criminal investigations or volunteering his time, energy, and talents in the community, Cedric Smith’s life reflects Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Americus is honored to honor these first responders who share a core value of the 1.2 million Rotary International members, worldwide, which is “Service Above Self”.

Pictured are Rotary “Service Above Self” National Medal of Honor recipients Corporal Sherman Anthony, Detective Sergeant Cedric Smith, Engineer Scott Manucy, and Firefighter Theo Baldwin