BRAVERY KNOWS NO BREED

Sheriff
Christopher “Chris” Kirk
Brazos County Sheriff’s Office

Throughout the course of his 40-year career, Brazos County Sheriff Christopher “Chris” Kirk earned a reputation for his integrity, empathy, and passion for service. Serving in a variety of roles, including Detention Officer, Deputy Sheriff, and Criminal Investigator, Kirk capably performed the duties of each and gained respect as a leader along the way. After he was elected Sheriff in 1997, he served six terms over the course of 24 years. Throughout that time, Kirk enthusiastically embraced organizational and technological innovation. He oversaw the development of procedures to ensure fairness, equality, and professional growth within his office. He led the office to become the nation’s first law enforcement agency to perform mission critical operations on the FirstNet communication system. As a leader, Kirk influenced state and federal legislation aimed at protecting our communities and served as the president of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas, president of the Western States Sheriff’s Association, and director of the National Sheriff’s Association. As a volunteer, Kirk served dozens of local, regional, and state organizations, including Scotty’s House Child Advocacy Center, Sexual Assault Resource Center, and Boy Scouts of America. He was also the presiding officer of the Brazos County Child Fatality Review team for 25 years and appointed by Governor Perry to the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments for more than 15 years. His impeccable service earned him a number of community distinctions, including Brazos Valley Unit of National Association of Social Workers 2007 Public Official of the Year, Bryan Lions Club 2007 Citizen of the Year, Sul Ross Masonic Lodge 2008 Community Builder Award, 2011 Sheriff of the Year, and Sons of the American Revolution 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award. Upon his retirement on December 31, 2020, Sheriff Kirk left a legacy of service that will inspire excellence in the men and women of the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for many years to come.

Firefighter
Robert “Bear” Kitchen
Sweeny Fire & Rescue

For 50 years, Robert “Bear” Kitchen has admirably and passionately dedicated his life to the fire service. Over the course of his honorable career, Bear served and protected the citizens and businesses of several communities throughout Brazoria County. In Wild Peach, Bear served as a Firefighter and Fire Chief for the Wild Peach Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as Assistant Chief and Firefighter with the West Columbia Fire Department, where he is remembered as a compassionate leader. Today, his committed volunteer service as Captain and Firefighter for Sweeny Fire & Rescue inspires his fellow public servants who consider themselves fortunate to serve their community alongside him. Bear considered the extensive expertise he gained throughout his career a gift he was duty-bound to share, so even alongside all of his volunteer hours, Bear dedicated himself to imparting his knowledge to others coming up in the fire service. For 30 years, he instructed with Brazoria County Fire Field, Katy Extrication & Rescue, and TEEX, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, which trains more than 117,000 emergency responders from across the world every year. Along the way, he provided additional instruction for various rescue and fire training schools in the area and throughout the state of Texas. Whether as a firefighter, leader, or instructor, Bear has continually acted in the capacity of role model for both his peers and the next generation of firefighters. With the utmost integrity and accountability, his compassionate and innovative leadership has served as an example for all firefighters. With this award, Firefighter Kitchen is recognized for his exemplary heroism and excellence as a public servant.