Vicksburg’s and Warren County’s law enforcement officers and first responders are driven to serve by a special characteristic shared by area residents — love of community, Municipal Judge Angela Carpenter said.

“Love for our city and its people is what drives our men and women in law enforcement and our first responders,” she said. “For them, what they do is more than a job; it’s a commitment. It’s a promise. They are trained, skilled, knowledgeable; the best of the best.”

Carpenter’s comments came in an address at the Vicksburg Benevolent Club’s Officer of the Year Banquet Wednesday night. The organization honored city police officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers working in the county.

Receiving the Artel Moore award for officer of the year were Vicksburg police officer Fabian Taylor, sheriff’s jail deputy Joseph Brown, paramedic Jessica Cade and trooper Master Sgt. Wayne Smith, a member of MHP’s S.W.A.T team.

Looking on her 20 years experience in law, Carpenter said she understands the need for trained men and women in law enforcement and as first responders.

“As an assistant DA and now a judge, I have relied upon the knowledge and expertise of the officers, and the excellence and pride they represent starts from the top with sound effective leadership.”

Officers and first responders, she said have to respond to any situation they face, regardless of danger.

“Whatever the situation, they must face it and handle it head-on,” Carpenter said. “They can’t choose the situation; how it’s going to look when they get there.

“They can’t choose, but must accept whatever challenge is before them and at that very moment they must respond. It’s an awesome responsibility and it takes very dedicated and committed men and women to accept the responsibility and the challenge.”

She said people need to change how they view law enforcement, calling on people to teach their children to respect officers and first responders by setting the example and demonstrating respect for authority.

“Pray for them that they may return to their families,” she said. “These are the people who protect our borders.

“They are our guardian angels on earth.”