Dallas Police Senior Corporal Trish Allen, introduced by Lieutenant Yancy Nelson.

Lake Highlands Exchange Club members honored firefighters and police officers with their quarterly awards Friday.

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James Romero is a 9-year member of Dallas Fire and Rescue and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He oversees B-shift paramedics at Station 29, near Audelia and Forest, where he is primary driver for the ambulance and backup driver for the engine.

“The Fire Rescue Department is constantly working to improve their practices,” Romero says, “especially as things change in the paramedic world.”

Dallas Police Senior Corporal Trish Allen began her career as a professional golfer. Now a 17-year veteran of the force, she trains new recruits and guides them from the academy to their duty on Dallas streets.

“We do not get up every day wanting to shoot someone – that’s the honest truth,” says Allen. “We are not here as enforcers, we are here as protectors. I hear that comment [from fellow officers] at least once a day.”

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam McGough thanked award winners for their dedication and shared word that his multi-year tenure as chair of the city’s public safety committee will end after reshuffling of council assignments by Mayor Eric Johnson. Beginning this month, McGough will lead the transportation committee.

“We hear you. We are here for you,” Exchange Club VP Bill Boyd told the first responders. “And most of all, we thank you.”

James Romero of Dallas Fire and Rescue, introduced by Chief Mike Meador.

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  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.