Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support Isle of Palms (LENS IOP) has announced the recipients of this year’s Public Safety Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards, which will be presented at the organization’s annual awards banquet on Wednesday, May 14, 2026. The awards are based on nominations submitted by community members, honoring the men and women of the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD) and Isle of Palms Fire Department (IOPFD) whose dedication and service have made the island a safer community for residents and visitors.
Public Safety Award — Isle of Palms Fire Department
Three members of the Isle of Palms Fire Department have been selected for this year’s Public Safety Award in recognition of their commitment to protecting the community:
- Firefighter Jason Gage Wright — Public Safety Award
- Firefighter Chris Fassos — Public Safety Award
- Firefighter Jason Smith — Public Safety Award
Public Safety Award — Isle of Palms Police Department
Three officers of the Isle of Palms Police Department have been honored for their commitment to protecting and serving the community:
- Officer Tom White — Public Safety Award
- Officer Kevin Barattini — Public Safety Award
- Officer Ned Donovan — Public Safety Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
LENS IOP will also present its Lifetime Achievement Award to two individuals whose years of service have left a lasting impact on the island and its residents:
- Sandy Stone — Lifetime Achievement Award
- Donnie Pitts — Lifetime Achievement Award
About the banquet
The Public Safety Awards Banquet is an evening in support of the Isle of Palms Police and Fire departments. Proceeds help support first responders and cover the cost for them and their families to attend.
The event will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at the Osprey Ballroom at Wild Dunes Resort. The evening begins with a wine and cheese reception and open bar from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by a seated dinner featuring keynote speaker Doug Mills and dancing to a live eight-piece band from 6 to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $150 per person. This year’s event is co-chaired by Mayor Phillip Pounds and former Isle of Palms mayors Dick Cronin and Jimmy Carroll. Tickets are available at thelensfoundationiop.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/23948.