GRANVILLE COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS 2026 ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

Granville County Crime Stoppers held their annual awards banquet on Tuesday evening, October 27, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church near Creedmoor.  This annual event recognizes the county’s law enforcement and emergency services (E911) personnel for their outstanding service during the year.

The Boy Scouts Troop 637, under the direction of assistant Scout Master Doug Roberston, presented the Colors and Ms. Gloria Stovall led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Evelyn C. Couch led the attendees in a stirring rendition of the National Anthem.  The invocation was given by GCCS President Frank Sossamon, preceded by a moment of silence in memory of Allen Nelson, long-time GCCS board member and Emma Wallace, daughter of school resource officer Tony Wallace and wife Beth. Thanks were extended to Rev. David Herman and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for use of their facility and to Homestead Steakhouse for a delicious dinner.

After a welcome by GCCS board member John Flick, Lt. Jessica Laws of the Creedmoor Police Department introduced the guest speaker, Creedmoor Police Chief Troy Wheless.  Chief Wheless spoke about the importance of building and maintaining relationships with the community and each other.

The local Granville County Crime Stoppers presented their annual special recognition awards:

Local Business Partnership Award presented to Chick-fil-A (Accepted by Shannelle Fogg) by Frank Sossamon

Corporate Partnership Award presented to Mize Farm Hauling by David Smith

Jim and Nancy Smith Citizenship Award presented to Christene Emory by Vicky Daniels

Crime Stoppers Board Member of the Year presented to Irvin Robinson by Doug Herrin

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the outstanding officers from the local law enforcement agencies in Granville County.  They were recognized by Crimestoppers and introduced by their respective chief, sheriff, or supervisor:

Butner Public Safety: Officer Justin Aaron presented by Chief James Champion

Creedmoor Police Department: Lt. Ricky Gates presented by Chief Troy Wheless

Granville County Emergency Communications: Shanice Champ, Telecommunicator presented by Director Stacy Hicks

Granville County Sheriff’s Department: Deputy Jennifer Cruz presented by Sheriff Robert Foutain

Granville County Detention Center: Betsey Terry presented by Sheriff Robert Fountain

Oxford Police Department: Jonathan Burnette presented by Chief Brandon Goins

Stem Police Department: Chief Mike Beal presented by Mayor Casey Dover

Stovall Police Department: Chief Craig Williams presented by Stovall Mayor Jeffery Stovall

School Resource Officer: PSO Denise Toral presented by Butner Chief James Champion. This was the first year of recognition for a School Resource Officer by GCCS.  Daniele Hayes, a member of the Granville County School Board, introduced the award and its criteria.

The winners of the 2026 GCCS Golf Tournament, the Corporate sponsors, and the hole sponsors for the golf event were also recognized in the banquet program.  Our 2027 Golf Tournament will be held Thursday, May 13, 2027, at South Granville Country Club and the 2027 Recognition Banquet will be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 26, 2027.

We would like to thank our forty (40) table sponsors, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Homestead Steakhouse, Vicky and Ron Daniels, our events chairmen, for organizing the event, Cindy Smith for preparing our banquet program, Doug Herrin for preparing our banquet video, Ricky Garrett for audio, all the presenters and participants, and all the Crime Stopper members for their assistance and support for a successful awards and recognition banquet.