Exchange Club of Charleston & Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy Recognize First Responders

October 29, 2020

4:22 PM

The Exchange Club of Charleston, in partnership with the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, recognized five first responders for their outstanding service on Saturday. The ceremony preceded the “Movie at Exchange Park” event that was offered free to the community.

Chaplains James Lewis and Rich Robinson presented the awards alongside Ken Battle of the Exchange Club of Charleston.

“In the midst of stressful times, there are those servants who serve sacrificially, running in to the crisis, protecting peace, and saving lives,” Chaplain Robinson said. “Our first responders are our community's greatest servants.”

The awardees included:

Charleston County Emergency Medical Service: Jason Thomas & Taylor Schilling
- Jason & Taylor have been instrumental in the EMS basic life support program
Summerville Police Department: Sgt. Thomas Bilancione
- Sgt. Bilancione is participating in the Summerville Dignity Project and is recognized for exceptional advances in law enforcement training
Charleston Police Department: Sgt. Louis Staggers & Community Oriented Policing Team
- Sgt. Staggers and the CPD Community Oriented Policing Team are recognized for their initiative in innovative community policing and the new Partnership Project
Cross Fire Department: Firefighter Kendall Walker
- Kendall is a single mother of three, serving as a firefighter with the Cross Fire Department. In the last few months she has taken several classes to better herself as a firefighter while teaching her children at home during the pandemic. Her dedication to her family while also serving her community is an inspiration to all.