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