Valentine's Day Share the Love Nominations
Nominate your favorite first responder!
We will draw our winner on Feb 14th on the Morning Blend
2026 SHARE THE LOVE SPONSORS
Coming Soon
2026 SHARE THE LOVE NOMINEES
Nominee: Nick Martoccia
Nominated by: Kim Martoccia
My husband has been a police officer for 15 years. He served as a Bartholomew County Deputy for 12 yrs and currently serves with IU Police Dept for the last 3+ yrs. He serves with a passion for Law Enforcement and always has since he was just a little kid growing up and always wanting to protect and serve. In his line of work there are so many people now a days that don’t Iike police and knowing this he still continues to go out and do his job faithfully knowing that when he leaves his family he may or may not make it back home but he will always protect and serve as is his job as a police officer.
Nominee: Corey Engleking
Nominated by: Anita Engleking
Corey is a full time fireman for Crothersville-Vernon Township Fire Department is dedicated, caring & quick to respond even on his days off!
Great job Corey!
Nominee: Tammie Freeman
Nominated by: Erin Buffington
My mom tammie has been a paramedic at CRH right under 30 years and has dedicated so much to helping others, even during covid she never stopped helping. She’s such a big part of the first responders community, even in surrounding counties teaching cpr and first responders classes… she gives all her heart and love into her job and absolutely loves and knows being a fist responder was always her calling.
Nominee: Stacy Brittain
Nominated by: Carol Crump
She is avery caring person who is devoted to her job she further her education to be become a paramedic while raising 3 children with her husband and works at the er in the hospital on her days off from the Jackson County ambulance
Nominee: Ronald Hedrick
Nominated by: Mikayla Hedrick
My husband, Ronnie, is a Marine Corp & Navy Veteran. Following his service he had worked various jobs, but had never found his true calling until 2024 when he became an EMT. He is the most selfless person you could ever meet, and his mastery in calmness during stressful situations is truly remarkable. He has had to witness the unthinkable in his short career as an EMT. Offering compassionate care to patients from 2 months to 99 years old. He never asks for praise or recognition and is the must humble human. He deserves to be recognized for his sacrifice and dedication to the Jackson County Community.
Nominee: Mark Gillaspy
Nominated by: April Castetter
Mark Gillaspy is a wonderful person inside and out. He puts 110% in everything in community,he is also a great father.
Nominee: Ryah Smith
Nominated by: Dee Smith
Ryah started working as a correctional officer in high school as an intern. She continued after graduation and enjoys her job. She loves seeing former inmates succeed and greets them in public. She works full time, is purchasing her own home and takes care of her two cats. I am very proud of her and all she has accomplished at such a young age.
Nominee: Gabe Jordan
Nominated by: Christina H.
Though I don't have his phone number or email, Gabe Jordan has been a familiar face for as long as I can remember. He grew up showing pure honest Christian values, and plenty of kindness to everyone. He is now a Seymour police officer and I have never seen him fall short of his great values and kindness! He stops to say hello to children (passing out stickers) he is always smiling and waving at someone! In a field of a lot of ugly he continues to show people there is light in this small town! We need more people like him in this world!
Nominee: Victor Hackman
Nominated by: Courtney Hackman
My husband Victor is a volunteer firefighter on the Driftwood Fire Department in Vallonia. Being a volunteer, he often doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for his service and all the sacrifices he makes. He recently fought 2 house fires in this terribly cold weather. He makes runs in the middle of the night to help those in his community. We have a 5 month old daughter who already causes us to lose sleep at night but that doesn’t stop him. He misses out on time with his daughter in the evenings to attend meetings and trainings. He is a leader to his fellow firefighters and would drop everything to help them. We love him so much!
Nominee: Richard Hanlin
Nominated by: Kaitlyn Tuckett
Richard is my best friend. I met him 2 1/2 years ago. I use to not like Officers until I met him. He isn’t corrupt. He isn’t like others. He is kind hearted. He never wants to use any force against anyone. He puts his job first. He works with a prosthetic leg and that in itself should show the type of work ethic he has. He has had a rough couple years and he deserves something positive in his life.
Nominee: Joe Barnes
Nominated by: Stephanie Barnes
I want to nominate my husband Joe Barnes. He wears so many hats, it would take a novel to write. First, he has been a volunteer firefighter since my 26 year old son was in preschool, and has done all of the fire prevention at the medora school all these years. He is our Fire chief now, and goes above and beyond not only for our community but to our firestation family. He has many sleepless nights, never complaining. He has worked very hard over the past year to get us a new station and it's almost complete. He is also a very good instructor for firefighting and emergency service. He works full time as a field officer at Jackson Jennings community corrections in Seymour as well. He does alot of our training, and he's always there lending a hand with just about everything. Among all of this, he is a wonderful husband and father. I can't put it all into words, but if anyone deserves a nomination. It's Joe.
Nominee: Joe Barnes
Nominated by: Joseph Barnes
I would like to nominate my father Joe Barnes , Has served as a member of the community between police department, police chief, fire department, fire chief, jail officer, and now community corrections officer over the last 25 years. My father is the most selfless man I have ever met and has continued to show me time and time again what matters most in life. I have seen him come home from working a twelve hour shift just to run out the door on a. Medical run , be gone for several hours come home and get an hours rest and wake up to head into work again to serve the community. I have seen so many volunteer firefighters over the years that want to help but just find it hard to work with the schedule and respond to middle of the night calls for help, but he always does and always will. He has grown Carr Townships Fire Dept year after year and continues to push for new grants and access to better facilities to help serve the community. If there has ever been a first responder deserving of a small praise I believe it is this a man.
Nominee: Mark Gillaspy
Nominated by: Lyndsay Hudson
If you are from Seymour, you know exactly why Mark Gillaspy deserves the recognition. Mark goes above and beyond not only for the firehouse, but our community as a whole. He supports families in crisis, he mentors our youth, and he steps up whenever needed. I don’t even know know Mark that well, but the interactions I have had with him or have witnessed as a bystander have made a lasting impression!
Nominee: Will Gray
Nominated by: Kensley Koester
Will Gray is in his rookie year at station 2 for the Seymour fire department. Ever since Will was little it has been his dream to not only be a fireman but to be a fireman at SFD. He works hard every shift, and enjoys spending time with his shift. He is just the best first responder!
Nominee: Will Gray
Nominated by: Karrington Koester
Will Gray is a terrific first responder who continuously shows dedication, courage and selflessness. Being hired early as a Seymour firefighter at the same firehouse he shadowed during high school speaks volumes about his character, work ethic and the respect he earned from those around him. He consistently is always willing to step in, learn more and support both his team and the community he serves. His commitment to service and genuine care for others make him truly deserving of recognition as an outstanding firefighter and first responder.
Nominee: Will Gray
Nominated by: Brenda Lucas
He is a young, new firefighter and it is something deep down in his heart. He loves to help others and he takes his job very serious. He’s 20 and got into this in his C4 classes in high school. He got hired on to the Seymour fire department just as soon as he became of age. So proud of this young man Who happens to be my grandson! 💕
Nominee: Dustin Steward
Nominated by: Kevin Kaplan
Dustin is a great example of positivity no matter what he is dealing with. And his consistent in his efforts to help in charity events and community events in the city and the county. Always a smile on his face.
Nominee: Will Gray
Nominated by: Kenny Gfay
Will is a 1st year Firefighter with Seymour Fire Department. Will goes above and beyond not only with SFD, but also with Hamilton (Cortland) & Harrison (Columbus) Township VFD's. He also works for Smalltown Mowing on days off. His schedule rarely allows time for his own tasks. Will never backs down from a task and is always there when needed. He is a young firefighter but in due time is going to make a great mentor for future firefighters.
Nominee: Will Gray
Nominated by: Michelle Koester
I would like to nominate Will Gray as he is so deserving of this recognition. He’s a true go-getter who is always willing to help others and step up whenever he’s needed. Serving his community genuinely makes him happy and it shows in everything he does. Will is selfless, hardworking and has such a big heart for the people he protects. Our community is lucky to have him as a firefighter!
Nominee: Aaron Wilkins
Nominated by: Chad Keithley
Deputy Aaron Wilkins of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department exemplifies the very best of public service. As both a dedicated merit deputy and a skilled Field Training Officer(FTO), he sets a strong example of professionalism, integrity, and leadership. Deputy Wilkins is always the first to step up and lend a hand, especially when it comes to supporting the department's Reserve Deputies. His willingness to help others, his calm under pressure, and his genuine commitment to the community make him an invaluable part of the team. Through his consistent dedication and selfless service, Deputy Wilkins continues to uphold the highest standards of law enforcement and is truly deserving of recognition as a favorite first responder.
Nominee: Zachery Stephens
Nominated by: Michelle Stephens
Zach is one of the kindest most considerate men I know . He was the fireman who took the medical scan that the fire dept was offering they did find cancer but luckily they got it early . He has now put his efforts into being treasure of the fireman’s union and helping other fire department get this lifesaving medical scan.
Nominee: Tabitha Myers
Nominated by: Jim and Nicole York
As parents, there are moments when pride feels too small a word. Honoring our daughter, Tabitha, as an Advanced EMT of Jackson County is one of those moments.
The achievement of becoming an advanced emt reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to caring for others. As a mother of two, Tabitha brings compassion, strength, and perspective to her work—qualities that cannot be taught and make all the difference in moments of crisis.
On someone’s worst day, she is a steady presence and a source of calm. We are incredibly proud of the professional she has become and even more proud of the woman she is.
Nominee: Tabi Myers
Nominated by: Alexis Kirchoff
She is an advanced EMT whose passion for helping others began in her senior year of high school and has only grown stronger with time. Since then, she has dedicated her life to the first responder community, serving with compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment. Her dedication extends beyond her own role—she shares a life with her husband, a 911 dispatcher and volunteer fireman, making service to others a true family mission. Together, they are raising two amazing children who already dream of following in their mom’s footsteps and saving lives. Through her work, her leadership, and the example she sets every day, she is leaving a lasting impact on her community and inspiring everyone around her.