Knights of Columbus honors Dorchester County first responders at annual awards dinner

The Knights of Columbus held the 35th First Responders Social on Feb. 7 to honor police, firefighters, EMTs, telecommunicators and detention deputies across Dorchester County, and awards included Telecommunicator of the Year Hannah Moffitt and EMT of the Year Allison Brooks.

The Knights of Columbus Msgr. Richard C. Madden Council 6629 hosted the 35th annual First Responders Social on Feb. 7 at the Faith Sellers Senior Center. The event brought together police officers, firefighters, EMTs, telecommunicators and detention deputies from across Dorchester County and included families, prayer and an awards ceremony. Past Grand Knight Rodney Profit served as master of ceremonies and Deacon Joe Dennis offered an invocation. Dinner was provided by A Mouthful Catering and organizers recognized both individual service and family support. Event highlights: - Telecommunicator Hannah Moffitt was named Summerville Telecommunicator of the Year after handling 4,894 calls in 2025 and assisting with a March 2025 rescue of an elderly kidnapping victim through real-time cellphone tracking and multiagency coordination. - Det. Matthew Brooks was named Summerville Police Officer of the Year for crime-scene processing, evidence audits after the department's 2024 cyberattack, and work on serious and sensitive cases. - Cpl. Barry Lowe was honored as Dorchester County Deputy of the Year; he is a K-9 handler and field training officer who received two lifesaving awards in 2025 for aiding gunshot victims. - Paramedic Allison Brooks received EMT of the Year recognition for completing paramedic certification, serving on the swift-water rescue team, and deployments during Hurricane Helene. - Engineer Joseph Roberts was named Summerville Firefighter of the Year for leadership and instructional work, and Engineer Emanuel Guthary was named Dorchester County Firefighter of the Year for steady work, a recent promotion, and lifesaving actions during an on-duty medical emergency involving a fellow firefighter. - Michael Carter was named Dorchester County Telecommunicator of the Year and was recognized for dedication in a high-stress emergency role. Summary: The awards evening highlighted local emergency services and acknowledged the role families play in supporting public-safety work, and community leaders publicly thanked those honored. Undetermined at this time.