Opelika Chamber honors local first responders at 2026 Valor Public Safety Awards
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce honored the men and women who serve and protect Opelika and Lee County during its annual Valor Public Safety Awards on October 9 at the Bottling Plant Event Center.
The awards ceremony, presented in partnership with the City of Opelika, recognizes public safety professionals for their dedication and service to the community, including dispatchers, corrections officers, sheriff’s deputies, emergency management professionals, firefighters, medics and police officers.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from Opelika Chamber Board Chair Clay Lane, followed by an invocation from Pastor Patrick Hitchman-Craig. The Opelika Fire Department presented the colors, and Courtney Megan Story performed the National Anthem.
Awards were presented by Rita Smith, Austin Bayles, Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd, Opelika Police Chief Johnathan Clifton and Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.
“Our first responders show up for this community every single day, often in the hardest moments people will ever face,” said Ali Rauch, president and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. “The Valor Awards are our chance to say thank you and to make sure the people behind that service know how much Opelika and Lee County appreciate them. We’re proud to celebrate this year’s honorees.”
The 2026 Valor Public Safety Award recipients included professionals from emergency management, fire and emergency medical services, law enforcement, communications and corrections.
The 2026 award recipients are:
• Emergency Management Professional of the Year: Adam Myers • Emergency Medic of the Year: Justin Meacham • Lee County EMA Honorary Award: Mary Sinnott Firefighter of the Year: Sergeant Spencer Carr • City of Opelika Communications Operator of the Year: Nate Broach • Police Officer of the Year: Officer Jeremiah Gooden • Lee County Sheriff’s Office Communications Officer of the Year: Sherri Hurst • Lee County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy of the Year: Lieutenant Ashley Ogletree • Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year: Investigator Matt Parks
The ceremony was hosted through a partnership between the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and the City of Opelika.
The event was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Glynn Smith Chevrolet GMC and award sponsor H&S Management Holding Company. Gold sponsors included the Lee County Commission and SS&L Architects, along with additional supporting sponsors.
The annual awards provide an opportunity for the community to recognize the individuals who work throughout the year to respond to emergencies, protect residents and keep Opelika and Lee County safe.
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