Even tonight’s other nominees wanted him to have it, so by acclimation Roanoke Rapids Police Officer John Taylor was named 2010 Unsung Hero by the First Carolina Agency.
Taylor was shot November 17 after stopping a car for driving too close on Interstate 95.
“I’m proud to say I know him,” said Phil Hux, who owns the agency, at a dinner honoring the nominees, the fifth year of the awards. “He went beyond the call of duty. It just shows what kind of community we have here.”
In nominating Taylor, fellow officers called him a model officer. One said they try to be around him as much as they can. One was impressed by his manner, the way he stands tall.
Taylor gets $1,000 which he will donate to a favorite charity.
Hux said, “A lot of people nominated said give it to him if you can.”
Accepting the award, Taylor said, “I didn’t think I did anything deserving of it. It’s not anything anyone else in my profession would have done.”
The only thing Taylor knows is he will donate the money to a local charity because of the way the community helped him, not just financially, but emotionally. “It’s knowing your community cares. It warms your heart, it motivates and encourages you.”
Taylor likens the feeling to the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, which he and his family watched Thanksgiving. “It’s like the part where George hits rock bottom,” he said, and then comes home at the ending to find the community pitched in to help him. “My and wife and I looked at each other. We’re living that.”
Taylor was among 30 nominees this year that included First Citizens Bank for withstanding a bank robbery, Affordable Heating and Air for doing free work at Angel’s Closet and a list of others who did selfless acts for the community, Hux said.
One of the inspirations for the awards, George Rhome, died last week, Hux explained, and was one of the nominees. “These people do it not looking for the award, some are even embarrassed to come.”
In another matter related to the Unsung Heroes award, Hux said the Five Little Girls foundation formed last year has a spot at Angel’s Closet on Roanoke Avenue and is currently looking for wigs to donate to cancer patients. “They are also encouraging more girls to cut their hair.”
Hux said Halifax Community College’s cosmetology school has also offered assistance.
Anyone wishing to nominate someone for next year’s award may do so by emailing Hux at
