The Chamber Recognizes 11 Community Heroes for Outstanding Service

Chapel Hill, N.C. – The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro partnered with UNC Athletics to recognize the 2023 Service Award winners on Jan. 17 before the UNC men’s basketball game against Louisville on Roy Williams Court at the Dean E. Smith Center. The winners were honored for their service to the community in front of thousands of fans donning Carolina blue.

"We are grateful to have partnered with Carolina Athletics to honor these 11 community heroes, who so deservedly received an ovation from the thousands of fans at the Dean Smith Center," said Aaron Nelson, President and CEO of The Chamber. "These award winners and the organizations they represent are an integral part of our community and should be celebrated. Thank you to UNC Athletics for their partnership and these heroes for their service.”

2023 Service Award Winners

Photo Credit: Maggie Hobson/UNC Athletics

Carrboro Fire Department Firefighter of the Year – Cory Scott Horner

Firefighter Cory Scott Horner exemplifies dedication and excellence in the fire service, serving as a valuable asset to the Carrboro community. His outstanding work ethic and infectious friendly personality set a standard for his peers.

Horner played a key role in developing a new turnout gear specification and led efforts to acquire a situational awareness thermal imaging camera, showcasing both technical expertise and a commitment to safety. Additionally, he takes the lead in procuring training equipment and actively contributes to a county committee focused on mass casualty incident response.

Horner's knowledge, dedication, and proactive approach make him a standout firefighter, positively impacting Carrboro and its residents. He truly embodies the qualities of a firefighter who goes above and beyond, setting an inspiring example for the entire community.

Carrboro Police Officer of the Year – Sgt. Edgar Deharo

Sergeant Deharo stands as a consummate professional, embodying a calm demeanor and a service-driven philosophy that sets an exemplary standard for fellow officers. His commitment to community service extends beyond the call of duty, as evidenced by an incident where he discovered a young child without a bed due to financial constraints. In a heartwarming gesture, Sergeant Deharo and his wife provided a bed for the child and Christmas presents for the family.

Beyond his regular duties, Sergeant Deharo consistently acts as a bridge for members of the Latino community, offering crucial translation services and aiding them in navigating various life situations. His dedication to service, compassion, and willingness to go above and beyond make Sergeant Deharo an outstanding role model within the force and a positive force within the community.

Chapel Hill Fire Department Firefighter of the Year – Captain Brian Matthew Dunagin

Captain Brian Matthew Dunagin embodies the very essence of the Firefighter of the Year, standing as a beacon of selflessness and an integral part of our organization. His unwavering leadership and steadfast teamwork mentality during emergency calls for service are unparalleled, consistently displayed on both emergency medical calls and fire incidents.

Captain Dunagin's commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire a collaborative spirit make him an exceptional leader within the fire service. His dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is evident in every action, and his impact is felt not only within the organization but throughout the entire community.

Chapel Hill Police Officer of the Year – Jun Gim

Officer Jun Gim is a shining example of positivity, bringing a contagious attitude to work every day that fosters a sense of comfort and inclusion for all. Whether in his role as a Field Training Officer or as an informal leader among his peers, Officer Gim consistently supports everyone around him. His embodiment of strong values, including integrity, innovation, accountability, and mutual respect, sets a standard for excellence within the department.

Officer Gim goes beyond his official duties, taking on the role of the department's unofficial 'Chef' and bringing his team together with delectable meals. His commitment to building camaraderie and creating a positive work environment makes Officer Gim a standout member of the team, and his impact is felt not only in his official capacities but also in the shared experiences and connections he fosters within the department.

Hillsborough Police Officer of the Year – Sgt. Scott Foster

Sergeant Scott Foster's dedication to community engagement is truly commendable, as he continuously works to create new events and opportunities for officers and community members to interact. Through his innovative initiatives, such as 'Straw for Dogs,' where officers help winterize dog kennels, 'Crafts with a Cop,' fostering connections between officers and seniors through craft projects, and a recent partnership with Orange County Animal Control for a photo campaign to promote dog adoptions, Sergeant Foster exemplifies a commitment to building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

In addition to his community-focused efforts, Sgt. Foster has played a pivotal role in building the K-9 program and has served as an investigator. His versatility, leadership, and the high regard in which he is held by his peers, who selected him for this award, showcase Sgt. Foster as an invaluable asset to the department.

Orange County Emergency Services Employee of the Year – Celsi Simon

Celsi Simon exemplifies the best of the organization, personifying unwavering commitment to OC Emergency Services’ values and taking immense pride in her work. In a remarkable achievement this year, Celsi led a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional team effort to create accessible and standardized fire safety education materials for all of Orange County. Her dedication shone through as she tirelessly developed age-appropriate lesson plans, ensuring clarity and understanding for diverse age groups.

As a native Spanish speaker, Celsi has been at the forefront of the organization’s efforts to reduce fire risks in the latinx communities. Beyond her regular duties, she actively contributes to various community committees, including Safe Kids, our Diversity and Inclusion workgroup, and El Centro Latino. Celsi's impact extends far beyond the organization, making her a true community leader.

Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year – Investigator Kevin Stewart

Investigator Kevin Stewart embodies the essence of effective law enforcement, recognizing that while new investigative techniques and technologies enhance modern policing, they are not a replacement for tenacity, commitment, and determination. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, Investigator Stewart consistently seeks out additional training, displaying thoroughness, skill, and intuition in his work.

Even in the face of personal challenges, such as knee surgery and welcoming a new baby this year, Investigator Stewart's dedication did not waver. Qualifying for time off, he chose to continue working from home, regularly calling the office to offer assistance and inquire about additional training opportunities. His polite, professional, and caring demeanor makes Investigator Stewart a true asset to the Sheriff’s Office and a source of pride for the residents of Orange County.

Orange Rural Fire Department Firefighter of the Year – Lt. Julio Perez

Lieutenant Julio Perez is a dynamic force within the Orange Rural Fire Department, consistently demonstrating a tireless work ethic that sets him apart. Rather than idly observing, Julio actively engages in the work, always willing to pick up extra shifts when needed. His commitment to service extends beyond duty, making him not only an outstanding leader but also an all-around good person.

Julio's dedication to the profession is exemplified by his two dedicated saves from structure fires, showcasing his courage and commitment to the safety of others. Always in pursuit of self-improvement, Julio actively engages in continuous training to enhance his skills and knowledge. His passion for firefighting is evident in his daily actions – he doesn't just fulfill his role; he embraces it with enthusiasm. Julio's genuine love for what he does radiates through his work, making him a true asset to the team and a beacon of dedication in the organization.

South Orange Rescue Squad Member of the Year – Spencer Lindgren

Spencer Lindgren's unassuming dedication is a quiet force, ensuring tasks are completed without seeking recognition. His behind-the-scenes efforts, often unnoticed, reflect a commitment that goes above and beyond. Spearheading key procurement projects, Spencer's design innovations caught the attention of vendors and improved safety features for others. Beyond projects, he dedicates hours to reviewing patient care reports, streamlining workflows and enhancing service delivery. Spencer Lindgren's outstanding contributions and selfless commitment make him incredibly deserving of this recognition.

UNC Hospitals Officer of the Year – Sgt. Darin Lee

Sergeant Darin Lee is a dedicated force within our organization, often working seven days a week, covering various shifts and assisting multiple squads at multiple hospitals. His commitment extends beyond the workplace, as he excels not only in his professional duties but also in team-building activities on the basketball court after work.

Sgt. Lee's interactions with coworkers, patients, and visitors exemplify his excellence in service. He consistently demonstrates the 'One UNC Health Values' in his daily actions, showcasing a commitment to the organization's core principles. Known for going above and beyond without being told to do so, Sgt. Lee goes the extra mile whenever possible.

UNC Police Officer of the Year – Investigator Nicholas Lynch

Investigator Nicholas Lynch stands as a beacon of dedication and excellence within our department, consistently exceeding expectations to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. His commitment to information sharing, both within our department and with other agencies, has proven invaluable in identifying suspects and addressing safety concerns. Known for his reliability, responsiveness, and competence, Investigator Lynch is a trusted resource for officers and supervisors alike. His outstanding working relationships with campus partners are evident in his active participation in EOC Assessment meetings and proactive efforts to build connections through organized meetings.

Investigator Lynch's true team player mentality is showcased in his willingness to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others and the department. Beyond his commitment to duty, his exceptional work on assigned cases, leading the Criminal Investigations division in closed cases by arrest, reflects his dedication to maintaining the highest standards. His customer-oriented approach is evident in his interactions with victims, suspects, and co-workers, always treating them with respect.

About The Chamber: The Chamber is a membership organization that serves and advances the business interests of the Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, including the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro as well as southern Orange, northern Chatham, and southwest Durham counties. The Chamber's network includes over 600-member enterprises that employ more than 95,000 workers throughout the region. Together with its network, The Chamber is committed to building a sustainable community where business thrives.

Contact: Aury St. Germain, Director of Communications and Business Development, The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, astgermain@carolinachamber.org, 828-674-8982 (direct)