Sergeant David Herndon Receives VFW Public Service Award

By: Shelia Mader

The Marianna City Commission on Tuesday night took time to recognize one of its own, honoring a man widely regarded by colleagues as someone who never hesitates to step up, often before anyone even realizes help is needed.

Marianna Police Department Sergeant David Herndon was presented with the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation by Tyler Schaeffer of the VFW, an award that reflects not only professional excellence but a deep, ongoing commitment to public service.

Schaeffer told the commission that Herndon was nominated by MPD Captain Tyler Scarborough, a testament to the respect he commands within the department. In making the presentation, Schaeffer explained the significance of the honor.

“Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and explosive ordinance disposal technicians to receive the VFW Public Servant Awards,” Schaeffer said. “The importance of this award is to recognize the efforts of those responsible for public safety.”

He added that for veterans, the recognition carries a particularly strong meaning.

“When we leave our families to serve,” Schaeffer said, “we do so trusting that dedicated first responder personnel like Sergeant Herndon are safeguarding our communities with professionalism, integrity, and courage. Sergeant Herndon exemplifies those qualities every day.”

Those who work alongside Herndon would be quick to agree. Fellow officers describe him as steady, dependable, and unfailingly willing to take on whatever role is needed, whether that means leading from the front or quietly supporting others behind the scenes. His presence is often felt before it is noticed, a reflection of a career built on service rather than spotlight.

The Times spoke with Herndon following the presentation, and the typically reserved sergeant was visibly moved by the recognition.

“To be recognized by the patrol division, the guys and ladies I work with, that means so much to me,” Herndon said. “That’s who I do this for.”

Herndon also spoke at length about the personal significance of the award, which connects deeply to his family’s military history. His grandfather, Sergeant Charles T. Green, retired from the U.S. Army after serving two tours in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Division and was a proud member of the VFW.

“He was one of my biggest inspirations for doing what I do today,” Herndon said. “To be presented this award by the VFW means more to me than I can describe.”

Known to friends and fellow soldiers simply as “Sarge,” Green retired at the rank of sergeant, a legacy that continues to resonate. Herndon noted that he has served as a sergeant with MPD for the past 10 years, and the nickname has followed him as well.

“Most everyone calls me the same,” he said. “On special occasions when I dress out in Class A’s, I wear his chevrons on my collar.”

Those chevrons, Herndon explained, were given to him by his grandmother after his promotion to sergeant. He wears them on Veterans Day and chose to wear them during Tuesday night’s ceremony.

“I’ll wear them tonight in honor of him,” Herndon said.

For those who know him, the connection between past and present is clear. Herndon’s career reflects the values passed down through generations, service, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty. Tuesday night’s recognition served not only as an honor for Sergeant David Herndon, but as a reminder of the quiet dedication that keeps a community safe and cared for every day.