16-05-2025
Bossier Chamber celebrates 2025 community heroes' service
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The fourth Salute to Community Heroes event recognized 17 finalists and named seven community heroes for their daily efforts to improve the community's lives.
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce (BCC) nominees come from the sectors of education, healthcare, non-profit, military, and law enforcement.
Captain Allen has served in the United States Military for 28 years, and as a Training Officer and Training Station Captain. 'Mark was diagnosed with cancer and is unable to return to the job that he loves. Still, despite this hardship, his unwavering character and determination continue to inspire everyone who meets him.'
John Atkins – Atco Investment Co.: Atkins is a partner at Atco Investment Company, Louisiana Timber Partners, and is a civic leader for Air Force Global Strike Command. He also serves as the District 9 Commissioner for Caddo Parish.
Dr. Kevin Baxter – Louisiana State University Shreveport: 'Dr. Kevin Baxter is a department Chair and program Director at LSUS for their only doctorate program, focused on developing leaders. Dr. Baxter served for 20 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard, and he worked as a law enforcement officer for Bossier City PD and as a trooper for the Louisiana State Police.'
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Kenny Gallon and Danny 'Bo' Turner – Bossier City Police Dept.: 'Responding to a shots fired call, Officers Bo Turner and Kenny Gallon of the Bossier City Police Department arrived at a Valero gas station. While responding to the call, Officer Gallon was fired upon and struck multiple times by the suspect, nearly giving the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officer Turner arrived on the scene and rendered aid to Officer Gallon and to a citizen who had been shot and sustained a life-threatening injury. Both officers show true courage and commitment to serving and protecting our community.'
Debbie Lockey – Bossier Parish Schools: 'While driving her route as a Bossier Parish Schools bus driver, Lockey noticed that one of the students in her bus was in distress and choking. Acting quickly, she pulled the bus over and performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the object that was stuck in the student's throat. Debbie went above and beyond her ordinary responsibilities as a bus driver to utilize her first aid training and save the life of a child in her care.'
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Tiffany Olson – Willis Knighton Health South: ' Olson is a patient care coordinator at Willis Knighton South who established a partnership between Willis Knighton and North Desoto Middle School for the 'Medical Detectives' program. 'At North Desoto, Medical Detectives was a class that Tiffany's daughter was enrolled in. One day, her daughter asked if Tiffany would be willing to help develop a partnership with Willis Knighton to expand the Medical Detectives program. Tiffany agreed and worked alongside the ER leadership team to secure funding, equipment, and coordinate a hands-on field trip so that the students at North Desoto could learn about healthcare from medical professionals at their place of work. Tiffany stepped up for her daughter and helped to create a program that has taught dozens of middle school students about the medical world.'
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce said the 2025 heroes, presented and sponsored by Willis Knighton Health and Comcast Business, were:
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