HICKORY — Hickory Elks Lodge 1654 presented its 2026 public service awards Saturday, March 14, at the Americanism Awards Ceremony, the City of Hickory said March 16, 2026.
The city said the lodge each year recognizes people who show duty and honor in service. This year’s honorees are Fire Captain Stephen Romano, Master Police Officer Austin Steele, and Street Division Crew Leader McKinley Sherrill.
Peers nominated Romano as 2026 Exceptional Firefighter of the Year. The city said he rose to captain, often serves as relief battalion chief, supports training, standardizes equipment, and leads committees on planning, health and wellness, and personnel recognition. As honor-guard commander, he coordinated funeral arrangements after a recent line-of-duty death and supported colleagues.
Steele was chosen by peers as 2026 Exceptional Police Officer of the Year. The city said he pursues violent offenders, works with local, state, and federal partners, and volunteered as a peer mentor on the department’s Critical Incident Response Team after high-stress events.
Sherrill was named 2026 Exceptional Hickory City Public Services Employee of the Year. He joined the city in 1994 as a Laborer 1 and moved up through training and certifications. The city said he answers after-hours calls and worked the 2017 tornado, multiple snowstorms, and Hurricane Helene cleanup.
The city thanked the lodge for the recognition.
The March 16 notice does not list other nominees, a cash prize, or the line-of-duty death by name.
Official release from City of Hickory, March 16, 2026. https://www.hickorync.gov/hickory-elks-recognize-2026-public-servants-year
