On Wed., Mar. 5th, Redfield American Legion’s Public Safety Committee awarded 4 citizens for their outstanding contributions to the community. The awards were for Educator, Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Technician of the Year.
Those chosen for the honor were Tommy Gregg, Redfield School instructor and coach; Trooper Shelby Hattum of the SD Highway Patrol; Paramedic Amanda Schultz; and Logan Arthurs, of the Rural and City Volunteer Fire Departments. Honorees were each nominated by a supervisor or colleague. The nominees collectively had many accolades – too many to list here.
The Educator of the Year plaque was handed out first. Tommy Gregg was described as being “super active in the community.” He was nominated by Principal Kendra Becker of Redfield High and Middle Schools.
Becker’s letters said “Mr. Gregg exemplifies the highest standards of excellence and dedication to student success through his many contributions to Redfield School District.” Becker also said his “commitment to our school community is remarkable,” and his “leadership as the FBLA supervisor has been transformative.” Praise was given for his dedication to coaching, and for going “above and beyond for his students and school community.
Tommy Gregg has spent his teaching career at Redfield Schools. He has taught business, computer courses, and elementary keyboarding. His extracurricular involvement has included FBLA, Girls Basketball coaching, Baseball Coaching, and Junior Football coaching. He was named South Dakota FBLA Advisor of the Year in 2022, and in 2016. He is active in community organizations, including the Sons of the Legion.
Gregg said “I appreciate the honor. My dad was in the Legion, so this is pretty cool.” Gregg’s application has yet to be judged at the State Legion level.

The next plaque to be handed out was for EMT of the Year. Paramedic Amanda Schultz was nominated by Ron Wren, PA-C, of Redfield Community Memorial Hospital. In Wren’s letter of recommendation, he states that Schultz is a dedicated worker, and a compassionate caregiver. “Her interpersonal skills with the patients are excellent.” he wrote. She was also praised for respectfulness and reliability.
Schultz’s EMT journey began after one of her children had to undergo a long hospital stay. She stated that it “sparked my passion for healthcare… igniting my desire to assist others in times of crisis.” Schultz began her EMT career in 2020. She received her Paramedic Medicine degree in 2023. She is still continuing her education. She has maintained full-time work at the hospital while attending school. She has served with Spink County Ambulance service, and is a Hospital Unit Coordinator at CMH. She also volunteers for other ambulance services. She has many professional affiliations. Schultz said she was shocked at receiving the “great honor.” She said “I’ve enjoyed being a paramedic and working at the hospital.”
Next was the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. State Trooper Shelby Hattum was unable to attend, so Sheriff Jenna Appel and State Trooper Joelle Schuknecht stood up in her place. In Sheriff Appel’s nomination letter, she said that Hattum “instantly came to mind” for the honor. Trooper Hattum was praised for her dedication, and willingness to teach others. While stationed in Huron, she was active in Spink County. Appel also said that Hattum “undoubtedly is deserving of this honor.”
Other law enforcement officers also wrote letters of recommendation on Hattum’s behalf. She was praised for her dedication, work ethic, and desire to make a difference. Hattum’s career as a State Trooper began in 2020. She was with the Chamberlain division in 2021, then the Huron division in 2022. In 2024, she was transferred to Sioux Falls. Hattum was chosen for the Safe Trails Drug Task Force. She had advanced training in drug detection. For the 2024 fiscal year, Hattum had 62 impaired driver arrests, 105 criminal arrests, and 85 drug arrests. This was the highest rate among the troopers. Hattum is an instructor in many topics, including Defensive Tactics and Field Training. She has received recognition from the US Attorney’s Office. She is currently the only female trooper in Sioux Falls.
Lastly, the Firefighter of the Year award was presented.
Logan Arthurs of the Rural and City Fire Departments was nominated by Redfield Fire Dept. Chief Jay Hermann. In his letter of recommendation, Hermann stated “Logan’s performance and attitude on the fire department is an example for all to look up to.” He praised Arthurs for exceeding expectations, and for his hard work and dedication.
Arthurs is a lieutenant with the City Department, and also a firefighter with the Rural Department. He was named “Most Improved Firefighter of the Year” in 2017. He was awarded a medal of valor for 2 separate events in 2022. He also received a letter of recommendation from Eric Shueth, Spink Co. Ambulance Director. Shueth wrote “Logan is very respectful, responsible, and very good at everything he does.” He praised Arthurs for being knowledgeable, dedicated, and reliable. He also praised Arthurs for being compassionate, and for being willing to both teach and learn.
Logan Arthurs won not only the local honor, but also was named the State Firefighter of the Year for the SD American Legion. He will attend the state convention in June to receive the award. Arthurs said “I started when I first turned 18, so I never expected to get an award for the fire department.” He credited his fellow firefighters to getting him to the level he’s at today.
The event was held at Clay Kiser Post 92 on Main St. Larry Price, chair of the Public Safety Committee, and Brad Englund, Post Commander, led the proceedings. Post Adjutant Norm Siebrecht assisted. Sons of the American Legion provided a meal.