05HonorIn just a few short weeks, we will honor the 16th anniversary of the tragic loss of life when America was attacked brutally on Sept. 11, 2001. Americans made a collective promise that we will never forget the horror of that day.

The 2018 Campaign of Honor was launched last week to recognize and honor all first responders in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Over the next few weeks, local officials and supporters, led by Sen. Wesley Meredith, will make personal visits to all the first responder operations in Cumberland County in a show of support, gratitude and appreciation.

The 5-week campaign will showcase the operations of local first responders, such as the city and county emergency communications centers, law enforcement departments, emergency medical services and fire departments.
 
The campaign started Aug. 13 with Meredith and his colleagues’ initial visit to Fayetteville’s and Cumberland County’s emergency telecommunicators. They met with Cumberland County Telecommunications Manager Adam Johnson and Lisa Reid, 911 manager for the city of Fayetteville Police Communications. They also spoke with and interviewed several career 911 operators. Everyone marveled at their unique talents and dedication to
the mission. 

Meredith said, “I wanted to visit 911 dispatchers first because this is where it begins. ‘Thank you’ does not begin to show them our appreciation. The telecommunicator works completely behind the scenes listening to problems and horrific situations that they may not always receive closure for. On behalf of the citizens of Cumberland County, I want to publicly thank these true first responders.”

During the next few weeks, the 2018 Campaign of Honor will continue to recognize these local heroes and raise awareness of what our first responder organizations do and how they impact our lives. Sen. Meredith stated he wants to “raise the awareness in Cumberland County of what our first responders do and to share valuable information on all emergency services.”

Tuesday, Sept. 11, Sen. Meredith and friends will host a reception in honor of Cumberland County’s first responders at The TapHouse at Huske Hardware, 411 Hay St., from 5:30-7 p.m.
 
The Campaign of Honor started with Sen. Wesley Meredith (center) and his colleagues’ visit to Fayetteville’s and Cumberland County’s emergency telecommunicators. They met Cumberland County Telecommunications Manager Adam Johnson (left) and Lisa Reid, 911 manager for the city of Fayetteville Police Communications (right).