The Hope Police Department (HPD), the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), and the Hope Fire Department (HFD) were recognized by the KTAL Channel 6 show Salute the Badge today at Hope Auto Chevrolet on North Hervey St. in Hope. KTAL's VP and General Manager, Mark McKay, was on site to present recognition plaques to area first responders for their service.

McKay said the broadcast began six years ago after Shreveport Police Officer Thomas LaValley was killed in the line of duty. "We just thought there has to be a way to tell the other side of the story," McKay said. "These stories are about the backside of first responders, what they do in the communities, who each is as a person, and what they volunteer and give back to their communities. At the end of the day, they all have a servant mentality or they wouldn't be in public service." McKay said Good Neighbor Chevy Dealers has been a sponsor for Salute the Badge from the start.

Hope Auto's General Manger, Eric Lemley, said he was proud to be a part of bestowing this honor upon local first responders. "We're happy to be part of anything involving the community, especially our first responders," Lemley said. "They deserve this recognition for everything they do on a daily basis for the community."

Accepting the awards for area first responders was HPD Assistant Chief Kim Tomlin, HCSO Sheriff James Singleton, and HFD Chief Todd Martin. All three expressed amazement and pride for the recognition, but greatly emphasized that the award belongs to all first responders. "This award is for the officers, deputies, reserves, and all first responders who work every day to keep our community safe, and we are very grateful to be given this honor," HCSO Sheriff Singleton said.

HPD Asst. Chief Tomlin shared the following: “The women and men of the HPD are honored to be able to serve our community, we are especially thankful to be able to receive this recognition from Hope Auto and Channel 6.” HFD Chief Martin concurred. "We are very honored that we were able to receive this award and thankful to Hope Auto and Salute the Badge for the ceremony and recognition." After accepting the awards, each gave individual interviews with KTAL News for the broadcast.

Salute the Badge airs weekly on Shreveport Channels 6, 33, and 45, showcasing first responders from all over the Ark-La-Tex. Tonight's broadcast spotlighting Hope's and Hempstead County's finest can be caught intermittently throughout these three stations, starting at 5pm, and on the KTALnews.tv website after it airs. Tune in tonight to watch HPD Assistant Chief Tomlin, HCSO Sheriff Singleton, and HFD Chief Martin as they represent Hope and Hempstead County on Salute the Badge.