Laurens County Hall of Heroes Celebrates Second Class of Inductees, Honoring Local First Responders

In a moving ceremony dedicated to the bravery and sacrifice of local first responders, the Laurens County Hall of Heroes inducted its second class of honorees. The 2024 class comprises men and women from fire, EMS, law enforcement, and dispatch services who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving the community. Each inductee was celebrated for their enduring commitment, with heartfelt tributes and an emotional address from Senator Danny Verdin highlighting the depth of their contributions.

The ceremony opened with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem sung by LCSO Deputy and Reverend Phil Wyatt, followed by an invocation led by Chaplain Kenny Moore. Don Evans, who served as the evening’s host, then welcomed attendees and set a respectful tone. “Heroes are nothing more than ordinary people with extraordinary dedication—a definition that fits first responders perfectly,” he said, celebrating the spirit embodied by the 2024 inductees.

Senator Danny Verdin delivered a moving keynote address, emphasizing the importance of honoring first responders as both public servants and neighbors. “It’s important for us to know our neighbors—they are the men and women who provide aid and service in times of need, running into burning buildings, answering calls in the middle of the night, and keeping us safe,” Verdin stated. “YOU are our neighbors. You live and work among us, and even if we don’t know you personally, you still answer the call to serve and protect.”

In a heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother’s influence, Verdin shared how she instilled in him a deep respect for first responders. Recalling how she encouraged them to pray for the safety of first responders rather than stare when passing an incident, Verdin highlighted the need to teach younger generations to respect and support those who put their lives on the line. “We must build a community of respect to replenish the ranks of those who retire or fall in the line of duty,” he emphasized, addressing the ongoing need for new first responders to carry on this essential work.

The ceremony recognized each honoree individually, allowing them to be celebrated among friends and family:

Laurens County Hall of Heroes: First Responder Class of 2024

Dispatchers:

• Lt. Ronald Keith “KB” Barrett – Laurens Police Dept and Laurens County 911 Dispatch | Years of Service: 1972 to 1998
• Lt. Willie Brown – Laurens County Dispatch and Sheriff’s Office | Years of Service: 1970 to 2000
• Betty Campbell Wallenzine – Clinton Police Department Dispatcher & Detention Officer | Years of Service: 1976 to 2000

Emergency Medical Services:

• Station Chief John Holmgreen – Laurens County Emergency Medical Services | Years of Service: 1979 to Present
• EMT Tony F. Osborne Sr. – Laurens Co. Emergency Medical Services & Laurens Co. Sheriff’s Office | Years of Service: 1976 to 1999
• Paramedic Mike Threatt – Laurens County Emergency Medical Services | Years of Service: 1977 to 2012

Law Enforcement:

• Chief James Barrett – Laurens Police Department | Years of Service: 1950 to 1994
• Captain Joe Robert Koon Jr. – Clinton Police Department and Laurens County Sheriff’s Office | Years of Service: 1982 to 2001
• Captain/Chief Paul Mode – Laurens County Detention Center and Joanna Fire Department | Years of Service: 1966 to 2020

Fire and Rescue:

• Asst. Chief Wilgus Fortney – Clinton City, Joanna Fire Depts, & Laurens Co. Emergency Medical Services | Years of Service: 1972 to 1993
• Chief Carl Bernard (Buddy) Swanson Jr. – Hickory Tavern Fire Dept. | Years of Service: 1978 to 2008
• Asst. Chief Donny Ward – Laurens Co. EMS, Fire, and Sheriff’s Office & Sandy Springs Fire Dept. | Years of Service: 1976 to Present

In Memoriam:

• Fireman Michael “Mike Mike” Douglas Vinson – Clinton City, Laurens Co., and Ekom Fire Departments | End of Watch: Easter Sunday 2024

Clinton City Fire Chief Jeremy Marshall spoke poignantly on behalf of his department, reflecting on Easter Sunday 2024, the day “Mike Mike” Vinson paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the community and doing what he loved. Following Marshall’s remarks, all attendees stood as Taps was played in solemn honor of Vinson’s memory, creating a powerful moment of reflection and unity.

The program included two moving video tributes, “Weight of the Badge” and “Answering the Call,” underscoring the challenges faced daily by first responders. Chief Marshall himself, along with others, stood as a testament to this unwavering commitment to service.

Board Chairman Morris Madden closed the ceremony with a look toward the future, sharing plans to create a permanent Heroes Park dedicated to first responders. “We envision a place that will honor all who serve this community every day, a space where future generations can understand the sacrifice made by those who protect us,” Madden said, encouraging ongoing support for these future endeavors.

The event concluded with a closing prayer from Pastor Darren Rood, leaving attendees with a sense of gratitude and respect for Laurens County’s first responders. Through the Hall of Heroes, the community remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring those who serve and safeguarding their legacy for generations to come.