2026 Community Impact Awards

Honoring the Individuals Who Make an Impact Daily

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Nomination Criteria & Guidelines

24th Annual Holiday Networking Luncheon & Toy Drive

Awards presented Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | Broadmoor Baptist Church | Madison, Mississippi

Why These Awards Matter

Every year at our Holiday Luncheon, we pause to honor the people who serve Mississippi when it matters most: the therapist who takes the difficult case, the officer who knows the families on the beat, the firefighter who trains the next crew, and the person in recovery who answers the phone at 2:00 a.m. because someone else is struggling.

These awards are not about titles or headlines. They are about people who do the work, often without anyone noticing, and make our communities stronger because of it. If you know someone like that, we want to hear their story.

How to Nominate

Nominations open Monday, September 14, 2026, and close Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Submit nominations online at firstrespondersofms.com. On the nomination form, select the award from the drop-down menu.

The more we know about the nominee, the better. Tell us their story. How long have they served? What have they done that others may not know about? Who have they helped along the way? Please share real examples that help our selection committee understand the heart of their service and the difference they have made.

Eligibility & Selection

Individual nominees must live, work, or serve in Mississippi. Organizations must be based in Mississippi or have made a meaningful difference within the state.
Anyone may submit a nomination, and nominators may recognize more than one person or organization.
Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the same award again.
This is not a popularity contest. Receiving the most nominations does not determine the recipient.
Selections are based on service, character, impact, and how clearly the nomination tells the nominee’s story through specific examples. One thoughtful, detailed nomination can mean more than several general submissions.
Incomplete nominations may not be considered. The selection committee may follow up with nominators for additional information.
Those selected to receive an award, along with the person who nominated them, will be notified in advance. Honorees will be recognized at the luncheon on December 1, 2026.

The Champion in Recovery Award

This award honors an individual in recovery who has become a source of hope in their community and across Mississippi. Through their own recovery journey, they reach back to help others, strengthen families, reduce stigma, and show what is possible when people are given support, encouragement, and a place to belong.

What we are looking for

An individual who is personally in recovery
A clear commitment to their own recovery and to helping others along the way
A meaningful impact on people in recovery, their families, or the community
A willingness to show up during difficult moments and serve without seeking recognition
A voice or example that reduces stigma, strengthens community support, and gives others hope that recovery is possible

Fill Nomination Form

The Ruth Glaze Difference Maker Award

Ruth Glaze was a powerhouse therapist and advocate who served Mississippi families for 40 years. She helped establish The Shepherd’s Staff Counseling Center, served on Mississippi’s licensure board, helped develop marriage and family therapy examinations, trained parents across the country, and served as a Victim Assistance Officer for the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office. Ruth stood beside her clients when they needed someone most. She passed away in April 2024, and this award carries her name so that her courage, compassion, and service continue to be recognized.

What we are looking for

A counselor, therapist, social worker, victim advocate, pastor, or other helping professional serving Mississippi
Someone whose work reflects the integrity, grace, and compassion Ruth brought to the people she served
Someone who acts, advocates, and is willing to go where others will not
A history of changing lives, one person or one family at a time
Someone who sees people, believes in them, and makes sure they know they matter

Fill Nomination Form

The Rob England First Responder of the Year Award

Rob England loved law enforcement, and it showed through everything he did. He began his career as a dispatcher at the University of Southern Mississippi Police Department, later became a police officer, and proudly served Purvis and communities around Hattiesburg. Rob cared deeply about the people he protected and the men and women who served beside him. As a member of LEAPS, he also supported fellow officers. Rob was a collector of people — once you were in his circle, he loved you forever. He passed away in January 2024 at age 43, and this award honors his heart for law enforcement, service, and community.

What we are looking for

A Mississippi first responder in law enforcement, EMS, emergency communications, corrections, emergency management, or a related public-safety field. Firefighters should be nominated for the Andy Petro Award
Exceptional courage, integrity, or dedication demonstrated during the past year or through a sustained record of service
Someone who builds genuine relationships with the community they serve
A heart for fellow first responders through peer support, mentorship, or looking out for the people beside them
Service that goes above and beyond the job description

Fill Nomination Form

The Andy Petro Firefighter of the Year Award

Andy Petro devoted 57 years to the Leland Volunteer Fire Department. A lifetime member of the Mississippi Firefighters Association, Andy trained and mentored generations of firefighters across the state. He also served his hometown for 16 years as a Leland alderman and was serving as the association’s Northwest Central District Vice President when he passed away in November 2020. First Responders of Mississippi honored Andy as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year in 2018. Today, this award carries his name and recognizes firefighters who reflect his extraordinary dedication to service, leadership, mentorship, and community.

What we are looking for

A career or volunteer firefighter serving in Mississippi
Skill and dedication on the job, along with a demonstrated commitment to the fire service
Someone who trains, mentors, and strengthens the next generation of firefighters
Leadership within a department, professional association, or community
A genuine love for their hometown and the people in it, reflecting the way Andy loved Leland

Fill Nomination Form

The Community Organization of the Year Award

This award recognizes a business, nonprofit, agency, or civic group that has made a meaningful difference for first responders, people in recovery and their families, or communities across Mississippi. We are looking for an organization that shows up, builds partnerships, and serves in ways that create a lasting impact.

What we are looking for

An organization based in Mississippi or one that has made a meaningful difference within the state
Hands-on support for first responders, recovery communities, or families in need
Partnerships, programs, or services that have made a clear and meaningful difference in the community
Consistency — an organization that shows up year after year, not just once
Leadership and service that other organizations can look to and follow

Fill Nomination Form