Three officers were honored last week at The Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club’s 32nd Annual Officer of the Year Banquet.

“It’s just something I feel personal about that they should be recognized for the service that they render,” club president Willie Glasper said.

A member from each the Vicksburg Police Department, the Vicksburg Fire Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office was honored at the banquet after a nomination process by the sheriff, police and fire chiefs. Members of the club then picked the final winners.

The award for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office was given to Sgt. Vincent Woods. He said he was very surprised by the honor that came with a certificate and a plaque. His wife, three kids, parents and sister attended the banquet with him.

“I was very nervous. I’m usually not a public speaker. I don’t really talk to anyone. I’m kind of a quiet guy,” Woods said.

During his speech, Woods thanked God, Sheriff Martin Pace, his supervisors, Under Sheriff Jeff Riggs, all his coworkers and the citizens of Warren County.

“We don’t have the problems like other cities across the United States,” Woods said. “You’ve got the give all the credit to the sheriff, the police chief, the mayor and the city of Vicksburg that everybody gets along good. I get up every morning for the citizens of Warren County.”

He said hard work pays off, and he really enjoys doing his job. He doesn’t work for the honors, but he appreciates the recognition.

Lt. Derrick Holt won the award for the Vicksburg Fire Department. His family came with him to the banquet.

“I was a little apprehensive about it,” Holt said. “I was going against another good guy and either one of us it would have been good.”

He said the award was an honor that he really appreciated. Holt thanked his wife, VFD Chief Charles Atkins  and the 100-plus other guys on the job at the VFD whom he said he couldn’t do his job without.

“I thanked my wife for just sticking by me for long days on the fire department. When I come in tired, she’s always been there for me,” Holt said.

From the Vicksburg Police Department, the Artel Moore Award was given to Officer Eric Paymon. Paymon had been nominated for the award before, but this was his first win.

“I was pretty much at a loss for words. It was unexpected,” Paymon said. “It’s a feeling of greatness to receive such an award.”

He said he works hard to be the officer that is recognized for the positive things happening in the community. Paymon is now working as the intern watch commander for the VPD.

A surprise special recognition award was given for front desk courteousness and outstanding service to Alberta Wheeler who works at the Vicksburg Police Department. An award like this is not usually given at the banquet, and Glasper made the addition to the schedule at the last minute.

After having a bad day trying to gather information and prepare for the banquet, Wheeler was cordial to Glasper while he was at the VPD. Glasper said he went to other offices that day where the person at the front desk was nonchalant toward him.

“I wouldn’t say rude, but they didn’t want to wait on me,” Glasper said.

He decided Wheeler’s generosity should be recognized. Wheeler was asked to attend the banquet and accepted the invitation completely unaware she would be recognized.

“She was very professional and on top of her game. I was just so impressed. I told the treasurer to get a plaque for her, and I paid for it out of my pocket,” Glasper said.

Wheeler was shocked that they kept the award a secret.

“They got me real good,” Wheeler said. “They had me crying they had me so good.”

She said her preacher reminds her to treat others as she would like to be treated and to be careful how you hold yourself because you never know who is watching.

Attorney Kimberly Walker Nailor was the speaker at the banquet, and Glasper said the event was a success.

“It was well attended, and the speaker did an outstanding job,” Glasper said. Glasper hopes to find a way to honor the Mississippi Highway Patrol in the future as well.