Since 2015, our publication has honor our Everyday Heroes with a special edition during the month of April.  This has been an opportunity to recognize those who serve in law enforcement, fire fighting and emergency response.

  This year, as communities across the nation, and around the world, dealt with the effects of a global pandemic, we expanded our tribute to include healthcare professionals, teachers, volunteers, and essential workers who went above and beyond in serving the residents of Freestone County, Texas.

  In addition, Freestone County Times presented a Hometown Hero contest with nominations solicited from our readers.

  Here are the winners:

–Rob “Big Daddy” Dotson

  Rob Dotson, owner of Big Daddy’s Details in Fairfield, collects and donates food and clothing, as well as baby items, to give to needy people.  “There are never any questions asked or judgment given,” Laurie Boughton. “If you are hungry there is always a meal waiting for you at no cost.”

  “Big Daddy” is also one of the biggest supporters of our Fairfield Eagle family, and donates his time to work the concessions at home games.

  “Rob is just a genuine person that believes in God and giving back to his community,” states Boughton.  

–Brenda Pate

  “Bee, my wife, is full of life and energy,” says Jason Pate. “She loves to make people happy and bring joy into their life.”

  Brenda does this through her job as Executive Director of Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, advocating for local Chamber members, conducting events, volunteering, and promoting the City of Fairfield. She leads by letting her work ethic do the talking.

  “In these tough times, it is good to know that we have HOMETOWN HEROES like her,” says Jason. “God Bless the HOMETOWN HERO!”

–Elizabeth “Liz” Thornton

  This volunteer has helped many people by taking them to doctor, visits, and volunteering to do many things for many people. 

  “We appreciate her,” say Eunice and Dale Barker.  “She is our Hero!”

  These three Hometown Hero winners will receive an appreciation prize package, courtesy of the following sponsors:  Sam’s Original Restaurant, Bush’s Chicken, Pharmacy Plus, Every Bloomin’ Thing, Juls by Jul, and The Yoakum Mercantile.

  Also nominated included:

–Chandler Baggerly

  Fire Chief of Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, Chandler stepped into the position about a year ago and has literally turned the department around, according to fellow volunteer Rich Shaufert.  In every aspect, from government relations, fund raising, recruitment, station upgrades, new equipment, training and most importantly, service to the community, he has improved the department.  

  Baggerly unselfishly gives of his time, talent and funds to make FVFD the best it can be.  His leadership has encouraged similar growth and enthusiasm in every officer and member. 

  “This is the most productive vibrant department of my service and it couldn’t have happened without Chandler leading by example,” says Shaufert.

–Bettye Trask

  “Bettye is one of if not the hardest working community person that I have ever known,” says Diana Lewis. 

  Since returning to Fairfield, Trask has volunteered for almost every single organization or fundraiser in Freestone County, along with being a minister along with her husband, Spain.  This includes the former Relay for Life organization and the current Freestone Cancer Support Group, to help Freestone County residents undergoing cancer treatment.

  “Bettye is a real asset to our Community!” says Lewis.

–Pastor Robert Smith

  The pastor of River of Life Family Worship did not a global pandemic slow him down, says Hope Brewer.  “He has kept giving and leading us to better,” she says. “He didn’t forgo his church ministry, and opened it up to anyone that wasn’t able to go to their own.”

  Pastor Robert worked to ensure each child in Freestone county received an Easter basket with activities.   And, he has continued his giving and serving our community with food giveaways at every opportunity.

  “We love our Pastor Robert and are very Thankful that he doesn’t give up when things are difficult,” says Brewer.

–Linda Mullen

  Linda is an intelligent, compassionate and skilled historian who takes the extra steps to ensure that any endeavor or project is historically accurate, according to Freestone County Historical Museum curator, Patty Pratt. 

  “The museum’s book Sonny Sessions: Past and Present won first place in 2019 from The Texas Genealogy Association due to the addition of illustrations bringing to life to Sheriff  Sessions’ unique style of storytelling,” says Pratt.  “This publication was a collaborative effort by Linda with museum patron and historian – Eric Wood and others.” 

  Linda is also described as adept at wielding a hammer, a paint brush or a mop with one hand for a museum handyman project, as she is at writing historical pieces with the other. 

  “Her variety of management skills, her dedication to community service and leadership at the museum is invaluable and only surpassed by her endless compassion and her devotion to God, family, and many friends,” says Pratt, qualifying her as a Hometown Hero.

  All of our Hometown Heros will receive a free subscription to The “Times.”

  Thank you to those taking the time to help us recognize these outstanding members of our community.  And, thanks to everyone who makes Freestone County a great place to live.