MADISON – Partnership for a Drug-Free Community recently presented its annual Law Enforcement and Educator Appreciation Awards in a virtual ceremony.

“The awards honor those who go above and beyond in the areas of prevention and education, along with drug investigations and arrests,” Partnership Executive Director Wendy Reeves said.

Thirteen people – and one dog – were award winners:

* HEMSI Paramedic Melody Dudley — First Responder of the Year Award.

* Assistant District Attorney Emily Carroll — Prosecutor of the Year Award, Madison County District Attorney’s Office.

* Officer Brett Jones — Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Owens Cross Roads Police Department.

* Officer Adam Lawson and K-9 Bruno — Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Madison Police Department.

* Deputy Tyler Oliver — Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

* Officer Cody Izzo — Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Huntsville Police Department.

* Investigator Spencer Region — Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Madison County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit.

* Agent Chad Schrader and K-9 Rooster — Billy Clardy III Memorial Award for Excellence in Narcotics Investigation.

* Officer Dustin Morell – Daniel Golden Memorial Award, Huntsville Police Department.

* Darius Brewton — Excellence in Education Award, Madison City Schools.

* Leigh Ann Brown — Excellence in Education Award, Huntsville City Schools.

* Kristin Masterski — Gayle Owen Memorial Award, Madison County Schools.

* Probation Officer William Chapman — Juvenile Justice Award, Neaves-Davis Center for Children.

“During the first eight months of 2021, Madison Police Officer Adam Lawson and K-9 partner Bruno have been utilized on more than 77 calls, resulting in 23 arrests involving illegal narcotics,” Missy Ming-Smith said. Ming-Smith is second vice president of the Partnership Board of Directors.

“The most notable narcotics recoveries were 21 grams of marijuana in January, 13 grams of methamphetamine in April and 24 grams of meth and another 17 grams of marijuana in August,” Ming-Smith said. “That’s more than $3,800 worth of recovered illegal narcotics.”

Madison Police Department said that “Lawson consistently performs his duties in an exemplary manner. Because of his service, dedication to law enforcement and efforts to perform his best each day that he is well respected among his peers and why K-9 handler Lawson and Bruno are (award) recipients.”

Winning for education, Darius Brewton is a career prep teacher and assistant football and baseball coach at Liberty Middle School. He was born and raised in Madison, graduated from Bob Jones High School and attended Alabama A&M University to earn a bachelor’s degree in education/physical education in 2018.

“A self-described ‘people person,’ Brewton works hard to make himself approachable to students. He’s passionate about helping steer them from unhealthy lifestyle choices . . . by being a good role model who students can relate to, trust and respect. His goal is to convince students that they can make it in life without having to vape, drink or do drugs,” Ming-Smith said.

Brewton acknowledges his parents as outstanding role models. He knows some students need adults to trust in providing honest answers to appropriate questions.

“Partnership’s Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention staff worked with Mr. Brewton and several of his classes this past year. His actions show his dedication to helping young people to prepare and arm themselves with information to help make good choices,” Ming-Smith said.

For more information, visit partnershipforadrug-freecommunity.org.