BY JOHN BRICE
FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LANETT — Lanett Police Chief Denise McCain presented a lifesaving award to one officer and announced promotions for two others during a Nov. 2 Lanett City Council meeting.
McCain began by presenting the American Red Cross Lifesaver Award to Sgt. Blake Brown.
“This is a surprise for this officer,” McCain said. “On May 26, Sgt. Blake Brown was commended for his service. At approximately 11:50, he received a call that somebody had been shot on 18th Avenue Southwest. During this time, Brown went above and beyond the call of duty by his lifesaving actions. He proceeded to use his tourniquet, which all officers get a tourniquet for themselves, which he selflessly put on the victim and saved his life. This is the lifesaver award presented from the American Red Cross. This is our second officer with the city of Lanett to save someone's life. I think they should always be recommended and commended for the jobs that they do.”
McCain then announced the promotion of Officer Patrick VinZant to corporal.
“We have had openings for promotions for a while now. We just needed to have the time for them to qualify for these openings,” McCain said. “Officer Patrick VinZant has been in law enforcement for 14 years. Three of those years have been with the city of Lanett. He has protected our country while serving in the United States Army. VinZant is a field trained officer, traffic accident investigator, tactical weapon instructor and serves on our multi-jurisdictional swat team. Congratulations Cpl. Vinzant.”
McCain also announced the promotion of Sgt. Darryl Dawkins to lieutenant.
“Sergeant Darryl Dawkins has nine years in law enforcement experience, eight of those with the city of Lanett. He has also protected our country while serving in the U.S. Army National Guard for the past 13 years. Sgt. Dawkins is a field trained officer, a RAD instructor, school resource officer and serves on the multi-jurisdictional swat team. Congratulations Lt. Dawkins,” McCain said.
In other business:
The council approved the following resolutions:
• Declared an Electric Department truck surplus property.
• Confirmed the report of abatement costs for property belonging to Kenneth Raymond Lyons at 2030 23rd St. SW.
