Joe Maus honored eight people throughout the community Wednesday afternoon at his two Albemarle car dealerships as part of his monthly “Hometown Heroes” event, which began in October.

Each month two veterans, teachers, law enforcement officers and firefighters will be honored at both Joe Maus Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Joe Maus Ford. In December, one person from each category will also win an award for the year and be honored at Maus’ holiday party in Charlotte.

“We appreciate all of you so much,” Maus said. “Without you guys, we don’t have freedom, we don’t have a community and we surely aren’t granted the opportunity that we got right now today.”

For November, Maus honored Albemarle Middle School teacher Angela Almond, recently retired Badin Police Chief Bryan Lambert, Air Force and Air National Guard veteran Allen Lawrence and Badin Firefighter Robert Burbank at Joe Maus Ford.

“It is an honor to be recognized because I work with amazing kids, I work with amazing parents, I work with amazing teachers and it’s amazing that they choose me,” said Almond, who teaches seventh grade English and Social Studies.

“This is humbling to be recognized by my peers,” Lawrence said, adding that he considers it one of the highest honors of his career.

At the Jeep Dodge location, Maus honored Aquadale Elementary teacher Carolyn Smith, State Trooper Mike Taylor, Navy veteran and Oakboro Police Chief T.J. Smith and the whole West Stanly Fire Department.

Aquadale Elementary teacher Carolyn Smith and her two daughters Sage and Savy, West Stanly firefighter Jason Almond (representing the whole fire department), Navy veteran and Oakboro Police Chief T.J. Smith, Joe Maus, Joe Maus Chrysler Jeep Dodge general manager Michael Turner and State Trooper Mike Taylor.

West Stanly firefighter Jason Almond, who accepted the firefighter award, said it was too difficult to pick one individual so they collectively picked the fire department.

“I’m honored as always,” Smith said. “I think it’s awesome that we have someone that comes in our community and really wants to put some effort in getting to know our towns, and getting to know our people.”

“It’s very humbling because I was voted on by my staff,” said Carolyn Smith, who teaches a combined first/second grade class.