Two
Fire Captain Steven B. Heselden and Police Officer Elwood (Chip) Thompson, both Westside residents, received the Civitan Badge of Honor on Sept. 27.
Supervisors recommended Heselden and Thompson based on Civitan criteria, including community involvement and commitment to their professional oaths.
"Firefighters and police officers regularly uphold the mission of the Civitan International; service, knowledge and fellowship," said Central Columbus Civitan Director Mike Custer who presented the awards. "As a result, we believe that honoring these professionals is an appropriate and meaningful tribute."
Heselden serves as the House Captain of Engine Company 18, which he helped design in
Heselden contributed to the city’s Fire Hydrant Security Lock Program that reduced the number of unauthorized hydrant openings.
In addition to the Civitan Badge, Heselden has received the City Council Safety Award, two Distinguish Service Awards and two Fire Service Awards of Merit.
Thompson patrols
Thompson spent four years learning sign language to enable him to communicate with deaf members of the community. He is currently learning Spanish online.
The Central Columbus Civitan Club is a branch of Civitan International, a service organization focused on improving the lives of developmentally disabled adults and children.