Jenna Quinn On April 7, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 261 in Lawrence held its annual awards ceremony. From left, Post Commander Larry Dennis, Patriot’s Pen essay winner Rosemary Ruballos and Auxiliary President Heather Fincher. (Photos by Anna Skinner) Lauren Hedges, winner of the Voice of Democracy essay contest, reads her essay during the event. From left, Post Commander Larry Dennis, Teacher of the Year Patrick Winningham and Auxiliary President Heather Fincher. From left, Lawrence Fire Dept. Chief Dino Batalis, Post Commander Larry Dennis, Firefighter of the Year Nicholas Rehmel and Auxiliary President Heather Fincher. From left, Lawrence Police Dept. Chief Dave Hofmann, Post Commander Larry Dennis, Reserve Officer of the Year Thomas Wright, Telecommunicator of the Year Mary Parish, Detective of the Year Jeremy Kurth, Auxiliary President Heather Fincher, Co-Law Officer of the Year Aaron Clegg and Co-Law Officer of the Year Stuart Bishop. Snapshot: Lawrence VFW Post 261 holds annual awards ceremony for essayists, teachers, first responders 0 By Adam Aasen on April 12, 2018 Lawrence/Geist Community Share. Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email