By Meg Moss, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Each November, the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association honors Hometown Heroes throughout the state. At this week’s Hometown Heroes event, hosted by John Hiester Automotive, two Lee County first responders were recognized. Heroes from Fuquay-Varina Police Department, Harnett County EMS and Dunn Emergency Services were also honored.
The first honoree at the event was Detective Sergeant Megan Rosser from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. According to Captain Jeff Johnson, Megan exemplifies every characteristic of a good law enforcement officer. She has great communication, critical thinking and negotiation skills. She has a strong moral character, integrity and a devotion to her community.
Megan has dedicated her career to working with and for children. From being a Deputy, to a School Resource Officer, and currently as Detective Sergeant. She primarily investigates child crimes and child sex crimes. She has served the Sheriff’s office by working at their annual summer camps, serving at the “No Scare Fair” hosted by HAVEN, a shelter for sexually abused adults and their children, as well as numerous other community events involving our Lee County youth.
More specifically, in September 2021, Megan investigated a case where two children tragically lost their parents in a murder suicide. Megan took it upon herself to set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for the children, and has raised over $6,000 for a college fund for these children. This act of kindness is just one example of Megan’s dedication of going above and beyond the call of duty.
Megan Rosser is someone who truly cares for the citizens of Lee County and takes great pride in her job.
The City of Sanford Fire Chief Wayne Barber was also recognized at the Hometown Heroes event. According to Deputy Fire Chief Ken Cotton, Wayne has served the City of Sanford faithfully and will retire effective January 1, 2022, after dedicating almost 47 years to his career. Barber joined the City of Sanford Fire Department as a Fireman in February of 1975. He was promoted to Pumper-Engineer in 1977, to Lieutenant in 1982, Captain in 1983, Assistant Chief in 1989 and finally to Fire Chief in 1995. He has served the Sanford community faithfully, generously, and with a giving heart. He has been an invaluable leader and has maintained a high degree of professionalism during his career.
John Hiester was the emcee for the Hometown Heroes event, which concluded with a lunch catered by Ron’s Barn.