Our second Hometown Hero courtesy of Robert’s Heating and Cooling is Derek Gray!
Derek was nominated by his wife, Jenny. Her nominating letter is below:
I’d like to nominate my husband Derek. He served in the Army for 10 years between 2003 and 2013. From what his former soldiers say he was always there for them both at home and while deployed. He worked hard to make sure they were trained before deployment and held them to a high standard at all times. Most of them went on to be senior NCOs and a few became officers.
Towards the end of his time in the Army he began volunteering as a fire fighter first with Riley County and then with St George Fire. He got certified as an EMT and assisted with medical calls as well as fire calls. He also became a reserve police officer with Wamego Police Department. Once he was out of the Army he was hired as a full time police officer with Wamego Police Department and has since worked for the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s office and is now the Captain for St. Mary’s Police Department.
In 2013 during flooding he rescued a girl from the Kansas River and has been recognized multiple times while working in St Mary’s for meritorious service. He has helped St Mary’s PD develop an officer wellness program and has helped develop an officer growth program that encourages formal education and professional growth to better serve those in and around St Mary’s.
He is a dedicated father and husband and does all he can to support others achieve their career or personal goals.
For being this week’s Hometown Hero, Derek receives 4 tickets to an upcoming K-State football game, as well as a $100 maintenance gift card from Kia of Manhattan and a $50 gift card to RC McGraw’s.
His name is also entered in our grand prize drawing, a complete Furnace/AC replacement from Robert’s Heating and Cooling! We’ll draw that winner on Nov. 10!
Nominate a veteran you know who deserves recognition for being an outstanding soldier and member of the community here!
