Firefighter, officer of year announced at Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon

Published 7:00 am Friday, November 10, 2017

The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Police and Firefighter Appreciation Luncheon Thursday morning.

The event took place at The Grand Banquet Hall in Picayune and the luncheon began with a greeting from Picayune Mayor Dr. Ed Pinero.

“I want to thank everyone here for coming out and honoring our policemen and firefighters,” Pinero said. “I also want to thank any veteran that’s in attendance and all the veterans in the community for their service.”

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The event began with Picayune Fire Chief Keith Brown thanking the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce for hosting the luncheon and the city of Picayune for helping the fire department throughout the year.

Afterwards, Brown presented Bryan Brignac with the Firefighter of the Year Award.

“Brignac started working in our department in February of 2013 and we are blessed to have him with us,” Brown said. “He always shows respect to his superiors, his fellow colleagues and he always completes his work.”

Later, Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Magri took the stage and recognized Robert Maxwell as the Civilian of the Year, who was unable to attend the luncheon.

“Maxwell joined the corrections department in 2008 and his work has been greatly appreciated and we’re lucky to have him in our department,” Magri said.

Magri then presented patrolman Joshua C. Stockstill with the 2017 Chief’s Award.

“He joined our department in August of 2010 and his work ethic and hard work throughout the year is why he’s receiving this award today,” Magri said.

The Officer of the Year award, the last award of the luncheon, was awarded to Lt. James Drewery.

“His core values, hard work and work ethics are the reason why he deserves this award,” Magri said. “He started working part-time in the police department in 2010 and moved up to full-time a year later. He was recently promoted to Patrol Lieutenant in 2012 and he’s been a great resource to our department.”

Kenny McDonald, Chamber Board vice president, ended the luncheon by thanking all the firefighters and police officers for their efforts to keep Picayune and its citizens safe.