Keesler Federal Honors New Orleans Area First Responders of the Year at 10th Annual Awards Program

Keesler Federal Credit Union on Wednesday honored the bravery and dedication of first responders from St. Tammany, Orleans, and Jefferson Parishes at the 10th Annual First Responders of the Year awards held in Mandeville.

Saints legend Bobby Hebert participated with Keesler Federal in awarding 12 outstanding individuals nominated by their respective public safety agencies as First Responder of the Year.

The awards celebrate the extraordinary efforts of local police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and other first responders who often face life-threatening situations and go above and beyond the call of duty to protect and serve their communities.

“We are very proud to recognize these extraordinary men and women who are on the front lines everyday protecting our communities,” said Andy Swoger, President and CEO of Keesler Federal Credit Union. “This is our way to recognize and thank them for their dedication and commitment to keeping us all safe.”

Nominations for the awards were accepted from public agencies in the region, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services. Each nominee was selected for their exemplary service, whether in the field, during emergencies, or through their community outreach efforts.

The list of First Responders of the Year honored at the event:

Lauren Billiot – Gretna Police Department
Joseph Bogantes – St. Tammany Fire District 4
Ryan Chaisson – St. Tammany Fire District 13
Joshua Feraci – Slidell Police Department
Greg Flickinger – St. Tammany Fire District 2
Russell Gelvin – Pearl River Police Department
James Godwin – New Orleans Police Department
Michael Hess – Covington Police Department
Michael Kast – Madisonville Police Department
Joey Mizell – St. Tammany Fire District 6
Thaddeus Nicholson – Gretna Police Department
Joshua Voras – New Orleans EMS

The following First Responders of the Year received their awards at individual presentations:

Sanchass Bailey – A-Med Ambulance Service
Jordan Balsamo – Slidell Acadian Ambulance Service
Andrew Crocker – Kenner Fire Department
Christopher Perre – Jefferson Parish Fire Department

About Keesler Federal

Established in 1947 in Biloxi, Keesler Federal is the largest credit union headquartered in Mississippi, with more than 365,000 members and $5 billion in assets. Named by Newsweek in 2025 as one of the best credit unions in America, the not-for-profit cooperative has 55 branches in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the UK. Keesler Federal membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school within its service areas. For more information, visit KFCU.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.

Contact:

Bradley Keith, Director of Public Relations & Communications

TBradley.Keith@kfcu.org (228) 701-1347 – direct (225) 364-5804 – cell

Lea Ivey Stone, Lea.Stone@kfcu.org  (228) 697-1982