At the first Emerging Leaders in Public Safety Conference, three Northern Kentucky community leaders were recognized for their outstanding service. The awards, given on Nov. 2, highlighted individuals whose dedication to public safety and community welfare has made a profound impact in the region.
Sgt. Josh Salyers Recognized for Police Excellence in Community Service
Sgt. Josh Salyers of the Independence Police Department was awarded the Police Excellence in Community Service Award for his work in organizing FOP Lodge 75’s annual holiday food drive. In his nomination letter, Colonel Brian Ferayorni of the Independence Police Department detailed Salyers’s role in transforming the drive from a small event, originally supporting around 10 families, into a large-scale effort providing food to as many as 70 families across Independence, surrounding cities, and unincorporated areas of Kenton County.
The nomination highlighted how Salyers, through strategic partnerships with Generations Church, local schools, and Kroger, has built a three-stage process for food collection, sorting, and distribution that engages a range of community volunteers. Thanks to Salyers’s coordination, the food drive now includes school food collection competitions and volunteer support from the Independence Police Department and church community, ensuring the drive reaches as many families as possible.
JP Navin Honored for Fire/EMS Excellence in Community Service
JP Navin of the Covington Fire Department was awarded the Fire/EMS Excellence in Community Service Award for his contributions to both emergency medical services and recruit training. In his nomination, Chief Corey Deye of the Covington Fire Department praised Navin for his leadership in implementing the PIT Crew CPR method, a coordinated approach that has improved the department’s success rate in treating cardiac arrest patients. Deye described Navin’s commitment to pushing for high standards in EMS practices, which has directly impacted patient outcomes in the community.
The nomination also highlighted Navin’s dedication to training recruits, where he leads physical fitness sessions that encourage new hires to “move their quit button,” helping them push beyond perceived limits. Deye noted that Navin’s focus on resilience training ensures that Covington firefighters are both mentally and physically prepared for the demanding nature of emergency response.
Reverend Chinna Simon Receives Excellence in Community Service Award
Reverend Chinna Simon, pastor of Madison Avenue Christian Church, was honored for his commitment to serving Northern Kentucky’s homeless population. In his nomination, community members noted Simon’s relentless efforts to provide shelter, meals, and support to individuals and families in need. His work with Madison Avenue Christian Church has established the church as a resource for those seeking shelter and basic necessities.
Simon’s support for first responders was also highlighted, emphasizing his role as a source of spiritual guidance and practical assistance during times of crisis. His outreach has included providing resources and comfort to both first responders and community members, embodying a spirit of compassion and service that has left a lasting impact on the region.
The awards ceremony capped a two-day conference that began Nov. 1 with a full-day leadership training for emerging leaders in police and fire departments in Northern Kentucky.
The conference and celebration was sponsored by a coalition of members from the public safety, business, and community sectors including Kenton County Police Chief Spike Jones, officer Ted Edgington, Life Learning Center President & CEO Alecia Webb-Edgington and Corporex Chairman Bill Butler.