By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK — First responders from across the community were recognized for their heroism, dedication, and service during a ceremony held Saturday morning in Ozark, where the Roberta Rose Community and Family Support Organization and Explicit Customs presented awards to local public safety agencies.
The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. on March 14 at Ozark Fire Station 3 and brought together representatives from the Ozark Police Department, Ozark Fire Department, Ozark EMS, and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and sheriff’s deputies attended the event and received the awards recognizing their service to the community.
Members of the Roberta Rose Foundation, including Jason Varney and John Dasinger, were present for the ceremony. John Dasinger, the founder and president of Explicit Customs, also took part in presenting the awards and personally handed them to representatives from each department.
During the ceremony, Jason Varney delivered remarks on behalf of the Roberta Rose Community and Family Support Organization, saying the community has taken notice of the work local first responders do both in the public eye and behind the scenes.
“Good morning, everyone. On behalf of the Roberta Rose Community and Family Support Organization, it is a privilege to stand before you today,” Varney said. “We are here this morning because our community has been paying attention. We have seen the work you do, not just when the cameras are on, but in the quiet, difficult moments that define true service.”
Varney highlighted the efforts of the Ozark Police Department, noting the department’s commitment to protecting the city while upholding the civil rights of residents. He also commended officers for their work in de-escalation training and building trust within neighborhoods.
Members of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office were recognized for their work pursuing justice and confronting serious crimes, including efforts to investigate and arrest individuals involved in human trafficking.
“We want you to know that we recognize the bravery it takes to confront such a difficult challenge,” Varney said. “Your success in bringing these individuals to justice is a direct investment in the safety of our families.”
Varney also praised local emergency medical personnel of Ozark EMS for their rapid response and clinical expertise during medical emergencies, saying their calm and compassionate presence often helps residents during some of the most frightening moments of their lives.
Firefighters with the Ozark Fire Department were recognized for their constant readiness to respond to emergencies ranging from structure fires to vehicle accidents and for their role in providing safety education to the community.
“Your readiness to run toward danger while others run away is the very definition of service,” Varney said.
In addition to honoring the agencies, Varney spoke about his work with the Ozark Counseling Center and his hope to establish a program through the Roberta Rose Foundation that would provide free mental health assistance to first responders. Varney said the program would need the support of the community as it would need to be funded through community donations and support. He added that the initiative would aim to help Ozark’s first responders because they regularly face high-stress and traumatic situations while carrying out their duties, making the community a safer place. Those interested in supporting the Roberta Rose Foundation’s efforts to assist first responders may make a tax-deductible donation by mailing it to 1518 East Andrews Avenue, Suite D, Ozark, AL 36360, or by dropping it off in person at the same address Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations may also be sent through Cash App to $RRCFS. Donors who would like a tax receipt to use for a deduction should simply request one.
For more information, community members may contact the foundation’s board director, Jason Varney, at 334-733-4925.
In closing, Varney emphasized the importance of community support for first responders and thanked them for their dedication.
“At the Roberta Rose Organization, we believe that a strong community is built on mutual support,” Varney said. “We see you, we value you, and we thank you for your unwavering dedication. We are honored to celebrate you this morning.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to each participating department in recognition of their service to the Ozark community.
Explicit Customs Car Club also holds fundraising events to support various causes in the community. The most recent car show benefited the Carroll High School girls’ softball team to assist with much-needed equipment and supplies. There was also a recent car show that benefited the Ozark Boys & Girls Club. If you are interested in sponsoring a car show fundraiser through Explicit Customs, please email [email protected] to reach out to Dasinger.
