In every community, there are selfless people who answer the call when someone is in need. Whether the emergency is medical in nature, someone’s personal safety is at risk, or there is a car accident or a fire, there are those who drop everything at a moment’s notice to rush to aid. The title we give these heroes is first responders. For the past several years, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber has hosted an event to honor those whose work often goes unnoticed. The recognition is called the Valor Public Safety Awards banquet and is held at Manna Church in September.
This year’s event is made possible by the support of presenting sponsor, Eaton Corporation, a power management company, along with other sponsors: Manna Church, Holmes Security Systems, Fayetteville Technical Community College and the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association. These organizations have a long history of support for police, fire and EMT personnel and their dedication extends to awarding the exceptional work done by these men and women day after day.
The Valor Public Safety Awards honor police, fire, EMT and other public safety branches in Fayetteville, Cumberland County and surrounding agencies. The awards also recognize the contribution to public safety by campus security personnel at area colleges, including Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and FTCC.
Nominated by their organizations’ leadership, the awards honor those who have gone above and beyond the line of duty to serve their community. Some specific awards include the Awards Unit Citation, which recognizes the combined efforts of a unit, not just one individual. The Citizens Award honors a citizen for coming alongside first responders in their assistance to community members. The Award of Merit recognizes outstanding public safety work, demonstrating initiative, ingenuity and diligence in performing their duties. The Life Saving Award is given in recognition of official acts taken in a situation where an individual's life is in jeopardy.
The Valor Award is the highest award, given for valor and heroism. It is awarded in cases in which a public safety official knowingly placed themselves at risk of death or serious harm in performing an official act. The Hall of Fame honors exceptional leaders in Cumberland County in the field of public safety who have made significant contributions to their profession. Freddy L. Johnson, Sr. Leadership Award recognizes an individual that has reached the pinnacle of community leadership and service.
While the Valor Awards ceremony is limited to first responders and their guests, there is a way that the public can be involved in honoring these guardians of our community. The People’s Choice Award is for first responders nominated by members of their community. According to the Chamber staff, anyone is invited to “submit nominations for individuals working within the Police, Fire or EMS services of the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County or Fort Bragg. Your nomination should include a firsthand account of an act of heroism or an instance where the individual went above and beyond their regular duties. Instances must have occurred between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.” July 1 is the deadline for nominations, and they can be submitted at https://forms.gle/d3qUSHjaBSBmr2a29 or by emailing events@faybiz.com.
Keeping our community safe can be a thankless, even dangerous job. The Annual Valor Awards provide an opportunity for grateful citizens to show their appreciation to those who dedicate their lives to that goal.

(Photo:Photo courtesy of Greater Fayetteville Chamber's Facebook page)