Lawrence VFW Post 261 held the Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen, Teacher of the Year and First Responder's of the Year Awards March 16. The annual event at Post 261 has, in part, made Post 261 an All-State and All-American Post. This is the highest award for a post from the National VFW Organization. Fom left, District 11 Commander Sheila Corcoran, second-place District 11 Voices of Democracy recipient Nicholas Wills, District 11 Voices of Democracy Chairman Patrick Mann, VFW 261 Commander Larry Dennis, VFW 261 Auxiliary President Tammy Dennis and District 11 Auxiliary President Tammie Reynolds. (Submitted photos)

From left, Sheila Corcoran, Kris Kell, EMT of the Year Spencer Fitzgerald, Larry Dennis, Tammy Dennis and Tammy Reynolds. Other first responder award winners include Nick Hensel, who was the Firefighter of the Year, and Adam Hazelwood, who was the Police Officer of the Year.