First Responder
Every month at our luncheon, we show our appreciation those who serve our community by honoring a first responder for their brave, dedicated service.
Thank you ALL for your brave dedicated service in protecting our community!
September
PFC Garcia
Mount Pleasant Police Dept.
First Responder Award: In July, a local agency asked for assistance with a critical incident and needed help with translation. Mount Pleasant Police Department’s PFC Garcia quickly responded helping interview multiple individuals and stayed well beyond her scheduled shift. Her assistance helped this local agency secure an arrest warrant for homicide. Sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners and special thanks to Nothing Bundt Cakes.
August
Deputy Mike Costanzo, Ret.
Charleston County Sheriff's Office
July
Battalion Chief Steve Drozd
Mount Pleasant Fire Dept.
Our monthly First Responder Recognition went to Mount Pleasant Fire Department's Battalion Chief Steve Drozd for his 32 years of service and his championing of mental health services for the department's personnel. Thanks to Pinnacle Financial Partners for their sponsorship and to Nothing Bundt Cakes for the cakes.
June
Officer Giovanni Brown
Mount Pleasant Police Department
The First Responder Recognition Award went to Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Officer Giovanni Brown. He responded to a call that an individual was considering ending their life near the Ravenel Bridge. He remained calm and professional throughout the situation even after sustaining injuries during an altercation with the person. The MPPD collaborates with MUSC Health’s Telehealth and they were able to get the person the help that they needed thanks to Officer Brown's courage and heroism. The award is sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners and special thanks to Nothing Bundt Cakes as well.
May
Isle of Palms Police Dept.
The First Responder Recognition went to eight of the Isle of Palms officers. They were presented with the Medal of Valor presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners for their outstanding service and dedication to the community during the April 7th shooting. This award is a testament to their hard work, bravery, and commitment to keeping our community safe.
April
Detective Kenny Clark
Mount Pleasant Police Department
The month's First Responder Recognition went to Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Detective Kenny Clark. He's received this recognition before and is well deserving of it again for continuously going above and beyond to protect children from sexual predators and threats. Thank you to Pinnacle Financial Partners for sponsoring the First Responder Award and Nothing Bundt Cakes for donating the First Responder Cake!
March
Capt. Don Wollenbecker
Mount Pleasant Fire Dept.
The First Responder Recognition went to Mount Pleasant Fire Department’s Capt. Don Wollenbecker. He goes above and beyond outside of his regular duties as the CPR Coordinator, which saves many lives. He also oversees the Citizen Response Team Training. Thanks to our Award Sponsor Pinnacle Financial Partners and Nothing Bundt Cakes for donating the cake.
February
Detective Joseph Tumminelli
Isle of Palms Police Dept.
Isle of Palms Police Department Detective Joseph Tumminelli. There are not a lot of violent crimes that happen on the Isle of Palms. A stabbing occurred and Tumminelli, new to the force, found the suspect and had them in jail in just a few days. Thanks to award sponsor Pinnacle Financial Partners and to Nothing Bundt Cakes for donating the cake.
January
Sr. Sgt. Greg Horton
Mount Pleasant Police Dept.
The First Responder Recognition this month was presented to Mount Pleasant Police Department's Sr. Sgt. Greg Horton for establishing a benchmark and outstanding leadership in his 30 years of service by Chief Mark Arnold. Sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners. Special thanks to Nothing Bundt Cakes.
