Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9143 showed their gratitude Wednesday night for those in public safety who honor the dead by helping the living.

"I'm extremely honored to be receiving this from the VFW tonight and I'd like to thank all the veterans here for the sacrifices they've made for this country and the work that they do in this community," said Jason Tidwell, the firefighter of the year recipient.

James Lord was named the emergency medical technician of the year award and Forsyth County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Yeaton received the law enforcement officer of the year commendation.

"It's an honor and a privilege to receive this award from the veterans," Yeaton said. "I appreciate everything y'all do. It's just an honor to serve this community."

The men also thanked their co-workers and families for their support.

Presenter John Kepler said Wednesday night's honorees, like those in the military, also put their lives on the line for others.

"You go away one morning and you never know if you may come home," Kepler said. "We pray to God that y'all come home at the end of your shift every day ... this is your night, so congratulations."

A few other honors were also awarded Wednesday night.

Girl Scouts from Troop 14207 presented disabled veteran Joshua Lindsey with a quilt. Squares of the blanket were made by the girls. They also presented him with a journal they had each written in.

"Thank you very much for taking the time to do this," Lindsey said. "It means a lot. Thank you."

The post also honored local students who had won the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests.

Those who win at the county level advance to the district competition. Those who succeed there may go on to the state and national levels.