BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3568 honored four individuals with awards for their outstanding service to the community.

VFW representatives Frazier Martin and Johnny Boyington presented awards to Hunter Smith, Firefighter of the Year; Kendrick Banks, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year; Hunter Williams, EMT of the Year; and Hunter Smith, Scout of the Year.

In addition to certificates of appreciation, each was presented a monetary award.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects emergency medical technicians, law enforcement and firefighter personnel to receive the VFW Public Service Awards.   Local winners then advance to the next level of recognition. The VFW also selects a Scout of the Year who competes at the national level for college scholarships.

Firefighter Hunter Smith began his career as two years ago as a junior volunteer with the fire department. He attended 160 hours of class to receive volunteer firefighter certification and as hired on with the city just seven months ago. He has since has completed the firefighter bridge program. Since that time he has also received certification in Firefighter 1 and 2, apparatus operator pumper, rapid intervention teams, hazardous material technician and hazardous material incident commander.

Minchew said there are many words to describe Smith including “dedication, good worker, great asset, always smiling and willing to help.”

Williams has spent a total of nine years in the fire service and five Years as a Pine Grove Volunteer Firefighter. He also works part-time at Medstar EMS. His credentials include volunteer firefighter, Firefighter 1 and 2, apparatus operator aerial and pumper, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Officer 1 haz-mat technician, Rope Rescue 1 & 2, and several other specialty training courses.

Minchew said Williams is a “great leader both as a fearless firefighter and in the EMS world” and said that he is respectful to all people he encounters.

Banks has worked with the BMPD for five years and previously served with the Baldwin County Corrections Center. He also serves as a field training officer and helps to train new officers for the force.

Eagle Scout Hunter Smith started his adventure with Pack 176 in Perdido and earned the Arrow of Life to transition to Troop 78 in sixth grade. He has served in several leadership roles and was selected for the Order of the Arrow and currently serves as a Troop Guide. He recently completed his Eagle Scout project to restore the outdoor classroom at Baldwin County High School.

Smith has been accepted to Marion Military Institute where he will be preparing to seek an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. His career plan is serve as an officer with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Mayor Robert A. "Bob" Wills praised all the individuals for their service to the community and thanked the VFW for recognizing their efforts.

“The City Council wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to the local Bay Minette VFW for recognizing some of our First Responders at last night's Council Meeting. The awards were not only uplifting to those individuals but to all of our dedicated employees who give their best for our community,” Wills said. “We thank the VFW for all that they do, not only for our veterans but for our entire City and area. All of these folks are examples of what makes Bay Minette a great place to live.”