The North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce honored local emergency personnel Sept. 10 during its annual First Responder Appreciation Dinner at the John F. Rhodes Civic Center in Bay Minette, recognizing three firefighters as its North Baldwin First Responders of the Year.

The event, held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., brought together members of the business community and local emergency services to recognize the men and women who serve and protect North Baldwin, a news release said.

"On behalf of the Chamber, it is an honor to provide an opportunity to give back to those who sacrifice so much in service to our community," Kristina Pittman, executive director of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, said in the release.

The evening included a meal provided by Mudbug Mafia, a special awards presentation and a dessert table featuring more than 100 donated desserts from individuals and organizations. The dessert table was organized by a Bay Minette resident. Numerous volunteers from the business community also gave their time to serve dinner to local first responders.

The North Baldwin First Responder of the Year Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, courage and dedication to the community. This year's nominations presented the selection committee with a particularly difficult decision.

After reviewing the nomination letters, the committee determined all three nominees demonstrated the highest standards of public service. Because of the quality of the nominations and the significant impact each nominee has made in the community, the Chamber chose to recognize all three.

Firefighter Caleb Powell, a training captain with the Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department and an employee of North Baldwin Utilities, was recognized for his work to strengthen safety in the workplace and throughout the community.

Powell has applied his firefighting experience to workplace and public safety initiatives, including playing a key role in developing and implementing a Narcan program at North Baldwin Utilities designed to help prevent accidental exposure-related overdoses. He also has helped prepare local emergency personnel for potential natural gas-related incidents through education and training.

Firefighter Tanner Hornbeak was honored for his contributions to the revitalization of the Lottie Volunteer Fire Department, where his dedication, initiative and commitment to excellence helped strengthen the department's training culture and operational effectiveness.

When Chief Chance Hawthorne took over leadership of the department, its 16 members completed approximately 275 hours of annual training from August 2024 through August 2025. During the following year, from August 2025 through August 2026, the department recorded approximately 1,600 training hours among 18 members.

Hornbeak's leadership and dedication played a vital role in that growth, with the department placing renewed emphasis on education, preparedness and teamwork.

Hawthorne, chief of the Lottie Volunteer Fire Department, also was recognized for his leadership and dedication to his department and the broader community.

As noted in his nomination, "Being a Fire Chief is about much more than responding to calls, conducting training, and ensuring a department operates effectively. It is about leading people, building trust, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where every member knows they belong."

Hawthorne has made training and professional development priorities for the department, working to ensure members have the knowledge, skills and confidence to serve the community safely and effectively.

His influence also extends beyond emergency response and training. According to the Chamber, Hawthorne has helped foster a culture of teamwork, mentorship and camaraderie within the department, building a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among its members.

The Chamber expressed its appreciation to all North Baldwin first responders for their service and sacrifice and for their role in helping make North Baldwin a safe and thriving place to live, shop, eat and play.

"We are proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding dedication of our local first responders. The tremendous support shown by area residents through their generous dessert donations, along with the many volunteers who served the dinner, was a meaningful expression of appreciation for their service," Pittman said. "This event has become one of our favorites of the year."

The event was sponsored by Title Sponsor Novelis, along with North Baldwin Infirmary, Matthews Landing, Quincy Compressor, Baldwin EMC, Water Tower Creamery, Baldwin Gulf Coast Pest Control, Delta Flooring, United Bank, Viva Health, International Paper, Alabama Power, Praizhym Electric, Fly High Goose Foundation, Novus Glass, Essential Plumbing, Supply One, Novus Glass Mudbug Mafia, Coastal Events & Design and the City of Bay Minette.