Dedication, sacrifice, achievement recognized at first responders luncheon

Many are probably unaware of what the job is truly like for a first responder, but every year the Lake Martin-Dadeville Chamber of Commerce ensures the sacrifice does not go without recognition. 

This year’s first responders luncheon was hosted at the Tallapoosa County Agricultural Center on Friday. This year’s luncheon also brought a surprise to Police Officer of the Year Franklin Keel. Keel was not only awarded the title, but was also promoted from detective to detective sergeant effective on Oct. 1 by Dadeville police chief Jonathon Floyd. During the speech for his recognition, Dadeville chamber CEO Bridgett Thornell recognized his investigative work on a criminal investigation, which uncovered $500,000 in theft from a local manufacturing company by an employee.