The Noon Kiwanis Club of Greenville continued a longstanding tradition on September 15 by recognizing outstanding local first responders during its annual First Responder Awards presentation.
The program, hosted by Dan Perkins, celebrated members of the Greenville Fire Department, Greenville Police Department, and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the community. The Greenville Kiwanis Club began this annual tradition in 1988 as a way to publicly recognize the men and women who serve and protect Greenville and Hunt County.
2026 First Responder Award Recipients
Firefighter Cooper Ruiz was named the Greenville Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. Ruiz was recognized for his commitment to professional development, having earned six certifications in less than two years, as well as for the leadership he has demonstrated within the department.
Deputy Brandon Nafikov received the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year award. Sheriff Terry Jones praised Nafikov for his dedication, leadership, and six years of service to the people of Hunt County.
Officer Alex Belteton and K9 Tango were recognized as the Greenville Police Department Officer of the Year. Their work in highway interdiction has produced significant results, including a seizure valued at more than $600,000.
The Noon Kiwanis Club of Greenville is proud to recognize Cooper Ruiz, Brandon Nafikov, Alex Belteton, and K9 Tango for the important work they do on behalf of our community.
Greenville Fire Department Continues to Grow
During the meeting, Greenville Fire Chief Jeremy Powell shared several updates from the department.
Earlier this year, the Greenville Fire Department completed its move into a new training facility and administration operations center, giving firefighters additional resources for training and day-to-day operations.
The department is also preparing to launch a Citizens Fire Academy in the spring. The program will give residents an opportunity to learn more about fire department operations through hands-on experiences and interaction with local firefighters.
Community members interested in learning even more about the department may also have the opportunity to participate in firefighter ride-alongs when space is available on fully staffed engines.
Greenville Police Department Expands Staffing and Technology
Greenville Police Chief Chris Smith also shared encouraging updates about staffing, growth, and new technology.
The Greenville Police Department now has 75 authorized positions with only three vacancies, representing a significant improvement from staffing shortages experienced in previous years.
As Greenville continues to grow rapidly, the department is working proactively to recruit and retain officers while also investing in new technology.
One of the most significant developments is the upcoming Drone as a First Responder program, scheduled to launch in October in partnership with the W. Walworth Harrison Library. A rooftop-based drone will be capable of reaching approximately 80 percent of the city, allowing police to receive an aerial view of an incident before officers arrive on scene.
The department has also begun Class 44 of the Citizens Police Academy, a 10-week program held on Monday evenings that introduces residents to police procedures, department operations, K9 demonstrations, and other aspects of local law enforcement.
Hunt County Sheriff’s Office Faces the Challenges of a Growing County
Hunt County Sheriff Terry Jones spoke about the unique challenges involved in serving one of the region’s fastest-growing counties.
The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for approximately 900 square miles, yet typically has only five patrol deputies working each shift. At the same time, Hunt County’s population is approaching 120,000 residents.
Sheriff Jones also discussed growing pressure on the county jail, which is operating near capacity with more than 330 inmates. At times, the county must house as many as 15 inmates in neighboring counties because of space limitations.
Despite these challenges, cooperation between the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville Police Department has produced positive results. Joint narcotics enforcement efforts have contributed to noticeable reductions in certain local offenses.
The Sheriff’s Office also continues to offer a civilian ride-along program, giving residents an opportunity to better understand the work deputies perform throughout Hunt County.
Kiwanis Celebrates Those Who Serve
The annual First Responder Awards meeting remains one of the Noon Kiwanis Club of Greenville’s most meaningful traditions.
Kiwanis is built around service, community involvement, and recognizing those who make Greenville and Hunt County a better place to live. Our local firefighters, police officers, deputies, dispatchers, and other emergency personnel exemplify that spirit of service every day.
The Noon Kiwanis Club of Greenville extends its congratulations to Firefighter Cooper Ruiz, Deputy Brandon Nafikov, Officer Alex Belteton, and K9 Tango, and its sincere appreciation to all of the first responders who serve our community.
