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By: Tommy Murphy

On Tuesday, Optimist Club of LaGrange presented its Deputy and County Firefighter of the Year Awards during the Troup County Board of Commissioners meeting.

The Optimists have been giving out the awards since 1965 as part of their Respect for Law program which came out of a meeting with J. Edgar Hoover and the president of Optimist International.

“It is our honor to work with the police and fire chief and recognize one of our hard-working public servants that have gone above and beyond in their line of duty. The individuals that we will recognize today truly are making LaGrange a brighter and more optimistic place for our youth,” said Optimist Club Vice President Hill Daniel.

The Deputy of the Year was an obvious choice this year with Troup County Sheriff’s Deputy Carrla Querry.

About a year ago Deputy Carrla Querry risked her life to help others who were in need while responding to a car accident, saving the lives of two people.

Querry was the first to arrive at a burning crash at Highway 54 and Hammett Road. She immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher to help contain the fire, when she discovered two trapped occupants. Risking her own life, she busted open the vehicle’s windows and helped the occupants escape before it was fully engulfed in flames. 

“We cannot thank her enough for those heroic actions that day. When the sheriff’s department was asked to help select a deputy to recognize as the officer of the year, Carrla’s lifesaving actions were brought up, but also many other qualities that she brings to the sheriff’s office every day she comes to work,” Daniel said.

Her peers say she is always willing to volunteer to help others when she can and she is always happy and pleasant to work with. Querry is proactive and always willing to share the wisdom she has learned in her 11 years in law enforcement.

“No matter how you cut it Carrla Querry is the type of deputy you want watching over your community and we are thrilled to recognize her today for the optimism she brings to her job day in and day out,” Daniel said.

Troup County Firefighter Jesse Dodgen was named County Firefighter of the Year. Dodgen will be featured in Thursday’s edition of the Daily News.