OKEECHOBEE — During their December meeting, the Okeechobee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution recognized some of the first responders in the community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

SAR President Jim Pippin said their organization believes in standing behind first responders and showing appreciation for all they do. This month their guests were members of the sheriff’s office, he explained, but they will be inviting the city police department and both fire departments in the future. Vice President Jim Green introduced Sheriff Noel Stephen and said he was sure everyone probably knew him but might not know that he became a volunteer firefighter in 1985 and was certified as an EMT. In 1987, he became a corrections officer for the sheriff’s office and has been there ever since. In 2007, he was promoted to under sheriff, was elected sheriff in 2016 and then ran unopposed this year.

Sheriff Stephen said when the SAR contacted him about recognizing some of his first responders, he knew immediately who to bring. He chose his department’s officer of the year and the medal of valor recipient from 2019.

Deputy Donnie Holmes was selected Officer of the Year after he took on responsibility of a K-9 unit in the high school. They were having a lot of trouble with drugs in the high school, and Holmes was one of two SROs at the high school. “He took on the responsibility of a K-9, which is like taking on a young-un’,” said the sheriff. It’s a lot of responsibility, but by having that dog around, the kids who were doing wrong and carrying drugs into the school are not carrying so many drugs, and the drug interactions at the high school dropped dramatically. “We feel he went above and beyond by taking care of the dog and by taking care of our number one asset, which is our kids.”

Deputy Richard Varnadore was selected for the Medal of Valor in November 2019 after a plane crashed at the Okeechobee airport. Varnadore was first to arrive on the scene and found the pilot trapped in the plane. The plane was on fire, and Varnadore, without considering his own safety, got the man out of the plane and to safety. “What he did was significant. He saved that pilot’s life,” said the sheriff.

After the ceremony, the group discussed the plans to plant a Liberty Tree in Battlefield Park. A tree was planted years ago by the St. Lucie chapter in Flagler Park, but they would like to plant one of their own in the Historic Battlefield Park. A 10- to 12-foot live oak tree was donated by the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge, and Matt Buxton has agreed to make a granite plaque to go at the base. Because it is going in a state park, it had to be approved by the state, but that has been accomplished. Now, they are just waiting for the ground to dry out enough so they can get it planted. If anyone would like to see the Liberty Tree that is in the park now, it is an oak tree between the tank and the helicopter and has a plaque at the base.

For more information about the Sons of the American Revolution, contact Jim Pippin 863-634-6134.