Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Awards Bravery, Dedication
February 13, 2015
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office held its annual award ceremony Thursday during which several deputies will receive the Medal of Courage for rescues during the flooding and jail explosion last April.
Escambia County Jail employee Kelley Bradford was recognized with the Civilian Gold Medal of Honor, and Chris Hankinson was honored with the law enforcement Purple Heart. Hankinson was paralyzed as a result of the natural gas explosion, while Bradford is credited for saving his life.
“An explosion at the Escambia County Jail left Kelley fearing for her life, yet she was more concerned about the life of another. Seconds after the explosion, Kelley called out for her co-worker, but heard no response. When she finally found Detention Deputy Christopher Hankinson, he was unable to move and lying in debris-filled water that was beginning to fill a confined area. Kelley entered the water, grabbed his head and struggled to keep it above the water as she waited for help,” Sheriff David Morgan said. “Anxious seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into nearly an hour. She fought to ensure his survival even as her strength nearly gave out. She was determined to do whatever it took to save his life. Forty-five minutes later ,firefighters arrived and pulled the two to safety.”
“This was just the beginning of some challenging days for Detention Deputy Chris Hankinson, whose life was changed forever. He received paralyzing injuries and had to leave his job at the jail to undergo therapy,” Morgan addded
Also Thursday, other awards were presented as promotions recognized as follows:
Awards
NCIS Special Agent Richard Campbell received the Civilian Service Medal and Deputy John Rose received a Life Saving Medal for using an AED and CPR to save the life of a heart attack victim who was able to fully recover.
Senior Deputy Terry Hammock received the Life Saving Medal for rescuing a child that trapped under a heavy box at an apartment on Nine Mile Road on July 12, 2014. Hammock starting lifesaving techniques on the child, who was blue in the face an not breathing. He begin CPR, and EMS was able to revive the child.
Kimberly Lawson was named Law Enforcement Employee of the Year for her efforts during her nine year employment.
Deputy Richard Durant was awarded the Medal of Courage and Deputy 1st Class Jason Donnelly was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Durant and Donnelly rescuing two people trapped in rising floodwaters at a bridge on Lillian Highway.
Medals of Courage were awarded to a group of deputies for saving many lives following April’s historic flooding and for entering the Escambia County Jail to perform rescues shortly after an explosion tore through the facility. Medal of Courage recipients were: Sgt. Patrick Frazier Jr., Sgt. Curtis Cephas, Deputy Ken Holyfield, Lt. Mindy Von Ansbach Young, Deputy Michael Williams, Deputy Casey Whitlock, Lt. Lisa Dixon, Deputy Bryan Barton, Deputy Richard Durant, Deputy Jeremiah Meeks, and Deputy Mildred Smallwood.
Promotions
- From Lt. to 1st Lt. Roderick Custer, Jr.
- From Senior Deputy to Sgt. Larry Crossley II
- From Senior Deputy to Sgt. Jeffrey Swanson
- From Senior Deputy to Sgt. Johnathan Mashburn
- From Deputy 1st Class to Sgt. Delarian Wiggins
Longevity Awards
20 years
- Debra Berry-Girdner
- Lt. Darrell Allday
- Lt. Richard Baily
- Sgt. Phillip Nix
- Master Deputy Terry Brunson
- 1st Lt. Mark Jackson
25 years
- Kenneth Simmons
- Lafe (Layfe) Highfill
- Debra Lattimer
- Cynthia Broughton
30 years
Lisa Caballero
Pictured top: Purple Heart recipient Detention Deputy Chris Hankinson and Civilian Medal of Honor recipient Kelley Bradford with Sheriff David Morgan. Pictured below: Some of the ECSO Medals of Courage recipients. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Opens Season With Wins Over Pensacola High
February 13, 2015
The Northview Chiefs opened their 2015 season with wins over the Pensacola High School Tigers.
The JV Chiefs beat PHS 10-1, while the varsity Chiefs defeated Pensacola 7-3 at PHS.
The Chiefs will travel to Baker on Monday before hosting Baker on Friday.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Chief Challenge Sweetheart 5K Run/Walk Is Saturday; Still Time To Register
February 13, 2015
The Northview High School Chief Challenge Sweetheart 5K Run/Walk is this Saturday morning – Valentines Day – at 9 a.m.
While open to individual runners and walkers, couples are encouraged to enter the event. There will be special awards given to the fastest couple and the cutest couple in additional to traditional overall and age category awards.
Late registration is Saturday morning at Northview from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. . To download an entry form, click here.
For more information, email Natalie Nall nnelson@escambia.k12.fl.us.
The Chief Challenge 5K is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured: A previous Chief Challenge 5K. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Powder Puff Football Game Tonight
February 13, 2015
A Powder Puff football game will be held tonight at Northview High School’s Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium.
The event begins at 5:00. Admission is $2 per person, and the concession stand will be open. Proceeds will benefit a planned NHS senior class trip.
Freezing Again Friday Night
February 13, 2015
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. West wind around 5 mph.
- Saturday Sunny, with a high near 65. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Sunday Sunny, with a high near 51. North wind around 10 mph.
- Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
- Washington’s Birthday A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Monday Night Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 53. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday Night A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
- Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 46.
- Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.
- Thursday Sunny, with a high near 48.
Bratt Elementary Art On Display At School District Headquarters
February 13, 2015
3-D art from Bratt Elementary School is currently on display in the Escambia County School District headquarters in the Vernon McDaniel Building on Pace Boulevard. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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Military Housing Tax Exemption Gets Support
February 13, 2015
County property appraisers would be prohibited from seeking property taxes on housing improvements at U.S. military bases in Florida, under a proposal that easily marched through its first House appearance Thursday.
The House Finance & Tax Committee unanimously backed a proposal by Rep. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, aimed at recognizing that housing under a program known as the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, on land owned by the federal government, is exempt from ad valorem taxation.
Initiative developments can be found at several bases, including Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The Military Housing Privatization Initiative involves the military entering agreements with private developers to own and operate military-family housing.
Trumbull’s bill is in reaction to a 2012 attempt by the Monroe County property appraiser to subject such housing at Naval Air Station Key West to local property taxes. Similar efforts are underway in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Trumbull said.
The Monroe County property appraiser contended the non-governmental title holder on the housing improvements at the Navy facility shouldn’t be exempt from the taxes. However, a circuit judge blocked the attempt, declaring that the U.S. Navy is the equitable owner of the property, according to a legislative analysis. The case has been appealed to the 3rd District Court of Appeal. “At a time when Florida is spending a significant amount of money to maintain a military presence in Florida, these actions send a terrible message,” Trumbull told the committee.
by The News Service of Florida
West Florida Lady Jags Get District Win (With Gallery); Tate Now 4-0
February 13, 2015
The defending state champion West Florida Lady Jaguars are off to a 2-1 start this season.
The Lady Jags opened their season with an eight-inning 10-9 win over the Escambia Gators, a loss to Gulf Breeze and a district win Thursday 7-2 over the Marianna Bulldogs. Mogan Freeman hit a homer for the Lady Jags, while Farrah Nicholas struck out eight.
For photo highlights from the first three WFGS games, click here.
SOFTBALL
Tate 10, Navarre 0
Tori Perkins earned the win for Tate, striking out eight and allowing four hits in five innings. Casey McCracking had two runs, two RBIs; Perkins was 2-3 with an RBI; Rachel Wright was 2-4 with 3 RBIs; and Hayden Lindsay had a run and two RBIs for the Lady Aggies.
Tate is now 4-0, 3-0 in the district.
Photos by Gary Carnley for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hollis James Hicks
February 13, 2015
Hollis James Hicks, 76 of Ellisville, Mississippi, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, in Ellisville, Mississippi. He was born Sunday, September 11, 1938. He was the son of the late Clyde Hicks and the late Maggie Colbert Hicks. He was the husband of Magalene Williamson Hicks. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
Mr. Hicks served in the Mississippi National Guard and was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Petal, MS. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting (especially coon hunting) and enjoyed his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son, Edwin Allbrooks and brothers, Houston Hicks, Sammy Hicks and Fred Hicks.
Survivors include his daughters, Charlotte (Kenneth) Holder, Shelia (Sherrill) Blackwell and Kay Snodgrass all of Ellisville, MS; brothers, Burl (Marcella) Hicks, Harl D. “Mack” Hicks and Johnny (Elaine) Hicks all of Laurel, MS; sisters, Mazie (Gene) Burkett of Atmore, Mary Lou Ridgeway of Bay Minette and Irene Bryant of Atmore; grandchildren, Shane (Melissa) Herrington, Tonya Holder, Kristie (Neil) Windham, Ken (Kathy) Holder, Blake Blackwell, Alexis Allbrooks and Shae Blackwell; great-grandchildren, Brett Herrington, Daniel Windham, Harley Nobles, Jonathan Windham, Aaron Allbrooks, Caleb Windham, Blaine Herrington, Samantha Allbrooks and Hannah Windham. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be Sunday, February 15, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Stroud officiating.
Burial will follow at the Poplar Springs Church Cemetery in Uriah.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 15, 2015, from 12 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Stan Ridgway, David Burkett, Tate Hicks, Shane Herrington, Brett Herrington, Blake Blackwell and Michael Ray Williamson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Windham, Jonathan Windham, Harley Nobles, Aaron Allbrooks, Caleb Windham and Neil Windham.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Rondal Howell
February 13, 2015
Rondal Howell age 73 of Jernigan Road in Brewton, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at his residence after a brief illness. He was a native and lifelong resident of Brewton. Mr. Howell was a member of the Catawba Springs Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Ann McLelland Howell of Brewton; two sons, Tim (Lisa) Howell and Lance (Wendy) Howell all of Brewton; two grandchildren, Adam Howell, Andrew Howell; one great-grandchild, Robby Howell; four isters-in-law, Joy McLelland of East Brewton, Dorothy Howell of Pensacola, Melva Howell of Flomaton and Pam Howell of Brewton/
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Edwards officiating.
Interment will follow in Catawba Springs Cemetery Brewton, Alabama.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton, Alabama is directing.G.