Bluefield, VA – Tuesday July 1, 2008 at Bowen Field just prior to the Bluefield Orioles -Kingsport Appalachian League game, Tazewell County Deputy Cpl. Eric Mullins was honored for his public service and dedication to Tazewell County. The very first “Hometown Hero” award to be given out.
In the ceremony took place on the field, near the pitchers mound. Brian Akers, general manager of the Bluefield Applebee’s, presented Deputy Mullins with a plaque. The “Hometown Hero” award is sponsored by the Bluefield Orioles and the Bluefield Applebee’s restaurant chain. Deputy Mullins then threw out the first pitch to start the game.
According to Mike Showe, general manager of the Bluefield Orioles, we want to give back to the community; this will be a monthly feature at the Orioles home games. Mike plans to honor other public service workers over the next couple of months including Fire and EMS. Mike thought Deputy Mullins would be a great recipient for the first award.
Present for the ceremony was Deputy Mullins & his family, Sheriff H.S. Caudill, and the many great supports of the Appalachian Baseball League. Sheriff H.S. Caudill stated It’s wonderful what their doing for the many hero’s of Tazewell County, and that Eric is a very deserving deputy the morning he got shot he put his life on the line not knowing that the individuals he stopped were armed and had just robbed two convenience stores, he was very fortunate.