CRESTVIEW — Brian McCallum and Josh Varguson have been named the Crestview Public Safety Department's police officer and firefighter of the year, respectively.
McCallum — a seven-year veteran of the police force and two-time Officer of the Year — was further honored this week with a promotion to the rank of corporal.
"He's an exemplary performer," Police Chief Tony Taylor said. "I never have to guess where he stands on an issue. Brian stepped up to the plate recently when one of our supervisors went on deployment for a full year."
Varguson — hired under a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response grant in 2008 — "stepped up in the area of evaluating equipment and finding us the best prices," Fire Chief Joe Traylor said. "Right now, he is evaluating protective clothing and making sure we're buying the right type of clothing at the right price.
"When Josh tells me he's going to go do something, I have no doubt it'll get done and he'll keep me (apprised) during the process."
Officer and firefighter of the year recognitions are based on command staff recommendations, Taylor and Traylor said.
"We select officers of the quarter based on overall performance, and of course a lot of positive attitude and interaction with the public," Taylor said during the City Council's Nov. 30 meeting. "Out of the four officers of the quarter, we select the officer of the year."
Mayor David Cadle, who oversees the Public Safety Department, praised the honorees and their comrades.
"We owe each of these Public Safety officers, as well as their colleagues, a debt of gratitude for their service to the people of Crestview," he said.
"It's always good to acknowledge people who are representing the city of Crestview well, and we're proud of them," Crestview City Council President Shannon Hayes said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview public safety officers of the year announced