Carolina Athletics honored first responders in Orange County at halftime of the men’s basketball game against The Citadel in the Dean Smith Center this week.

Ten police officers, EMS, and firefighters were joined by their department leaders at half court to hear their names read aloud and be cheered by family, friends and Tar Heel fans in attendance for their service in the last year. The Salute to Community Heroes ceremony was organized by the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.

Among the honorees was Deputy Eric Castro, who was named Deputy of the Year by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“Deputy Castro received this award in recognition of his professionalism, positive attitude, and commitment to service,” read a release from the Sheriff’s Office. “Serving since 2002, first in the detention center and then as a patrol deputy, Castro has a relentless work ethic.”

Castro and Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood were accompanied by several other outstanding local first responders at midcourt in the Smith Center and recognized. All the honorees are listed below:

  • Carrboro Fire Department Firefighter of the Year – Michael Miller
  • Carrboro Police Department Officer of the Year – Sgt. Charles Brent Hobby
  • Chapel Hill Fire Department Firefighter of the Year – Fire Inspector Roland Falana
  • Chapel Hill Police Officer of the Year – K-9 Officer Jacob Clark
  • Hillsborough Police Officer of the Year – K-9 Officer Juan Jaime Duran
  • Orange County Emergency Services Employee of the Year – Jorge Hernandez
  • Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year – Deputy Eric Castro
  • South Orange Rescue Squad Member of the Year – CPR Instructors Jane and Bill Waddell
  • UNC Public Safety Officer of the Year – Officer Jonathon Michael Ross

“We are grateful to have partnered with Carolina Athletics to honor these 10 community heroes, who so deservedly received an ovation from the thousands of fans at the Dean Smith Center,” said Aaron Nelson, president and CEO of The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro. “Each award winner and the organizations they represent are an integral part in our community and should be celebrated. They are described by their peers and supervisors as gracious, dedicated, compassionate, and reliable. Thank you to UNC Athletics for their partnership and UNC-Chapel Hill Kevin Guskiewicz for his support and participation.”

The Chapel Hill Fire and Police Departments, the Carrboro Fire and Police Departments and Orange County Emergency Services each shared more information about their awarded first responders on their respective town websites. Learn more about Michael Miller and Sgt. Charles Hobby here, Jacob Clark and Roland Falana here, and Jorge Hernandez here.

 

Featured image via Orange County Sheriff’s Office

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Arts Community Set for Uproar Festival Despite Recent Flood Damage
Orange County's Uproar Festival of Public Art returns on Aug. 1 – and it comes as the arts community recovers from catastrophic flooding.
'We Need Help': Orange County Flood Victims Beginning to Pick Up the Pieces
Orange County residents whose homes were flooded during Sunday's storm shared their emotions and what help they need in the aftermath.
Celebration of July 4 to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what will and won’t be happening that week: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday. Residential trash pickup will not be affected. Commercial trash will […]
Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County (2025)
The observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 will affect multiple local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a complete list of which services in which towns will be moved due to the holiday: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will […]
Uproar Festival of Public Art to Return to Orange County in August
The Uproar Festival of Public Art returns this August to showcase large-scale, bold works of art outdoors in Orange County.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to Affect Local Government Services (2025)
The observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect this year: Town of Chapel Hill Town offices will be closed on Monday. Residential trash normally collected on Monday will be collected on Wednesday, January 22. Curbside recycling […]
Christmas Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County (2024)
The Christmas holiday will affect several local government services. Here’s a rundown of what Orange County residents can expect.
Thanksgiving Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County
Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, Nov. 28 this year, and the holiday will affect several local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a rundown of what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 are both town holidays. Residential trash collection will not be affected. However, there […]
Here Are Ways You Can Donate to Local Drives for Hurricane Helene Relief
After Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina last week, numerous local organizations, businesses and schools have set up donation drives to help those affected. Below is a list of drives around our area, in alphabetical order by the group: All About Insurance shifted its regular Sock-Tober clothing drive to exclusively support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. […]
Here's What To Expect Around the Community for the Fourth of July Holiday (2024)
The celebration of Independence Day will occur on Thursday, July 4. Several events are scheduled around the Orange County community, and numerous local government services will be affected. Here’s what will and won’t be happening this week: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed on Thursday. Curbside recycling will not […]
›