CARRBORO, NC — The Town of Carrboro is proud to recognize two outstanding public safety professionals whose dedication, leadership and service exemplify the highest standards of their professions. Firefighter Luis Galdamez of the Carrboro Fire Department and Officer Hunter Tyson of the Carrboro Police Department have been named the Town’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year and Officer of the Year, respectively, in honor of their exceptional commitment to protecting and serving the Carrboro community.
Carrboro Firefighter of the Year
The Carrboro Fire Department is proud to announce that Firefighter Luis Galdamez has been named the 2025 Carrboro Firefighter of the Year. Firefighter Galdamez was selected for this prestigious honor in recognition of his exceptional bravery, deep commitment to community service, and unwavering dedication to placing the needs of others above his own.
Firefighter Galdamez’s nomination was supported by numerous examples of outstanding service, including:
- Bravery During Tropical Storm Chantal: Demonstrated extraordinary courage and professionalism while responding to critical emergencies and conducting successful rescues in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal.
- Essential Community Translator: Serves as a trusted translator for Spanish-speaking community members, strengthening communication, access, and trust in emergency response and public education services.
- Selfless Service and Volunteerism: Highly regarded for consistently putting others first and for generously volunteering his time at community events and outreach efforts.
- Community Risk Reduction (CRR): Actively engaged in Community Risk Reduction initiatives, helping educate the public and implement programs focused on prevention, preparedness, and risk reduction.
“Firefighter Galdamez exemplifies the highest ideals of the fire service,” said Fire Chief Will Potter. “His exemplary bravery during the response to Tropical Storm Chantal was truly commendable, and his unwavering dedication to serving our community makes him an invaluable asset to the Carrboro Fire Department. We are honored to recognize him as our 2025 Firefighter of the Year.”
Carrboro Police Officer of the Year
For her dedication to the police department and the Carrboro community, the Carrboro Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Hunter Tyson as the 2025 Officer of the Year.
Since beginning her career in July 2021, Officer Tyson has served in the Patrol Division, where her knowledge, experience and leadership earned her promotion to Police Officer II in September 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Lynchburg and an Intermediate Law Enforcement Certification. Officer Tyson is widely regarded as a dependable, hard-working team player with extensive professional expertise, especially in DWI enforcement.
Leading by example, Officer Tyson consistently upholds her commitments as a law enforcement officer and demonstrates a strong dedication to service excellence in her work with both the community and her fellow department members. Officer Tysons' contributions to public safety and community trust truly exemplify the spirit of this award.
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