The Ohio State Highway Patrol had their 2022 Leadership Awards Friday. The ceremony recognized dozens of state and district award winners for their valuable contributions to the state and communities.
Locally, retired Dispatcher Heather Duncan of the Jackson District received the Distinguished Retiree Award.
Duncan founded a non-profit named "Christmas Smiles" in conjunction with the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. It's dedicated to helping families with working guardians struggling to provide Christmas gifts for children and dinner for the families.
She also makes and donates seatbelt covers which alerts law enforcement and first responders...of health conditions the driver and/or passenger may have. The covers list major medical conditions on the front, and emergency communication information on the back, to help first responders and hospital staff with their treatment plan.
And, Duncan has been instrumental in the local organization called "Be Hear to be Heard." This is a new support program for Ross and surrounding counties for the people who suffer from hearing loss.