Hickory Elks recognize 2026 public servants of the year
Each year, Hickory Elks Lodge 1654 recognizes those who exhibit the patriotic values of duty and honor in service to their community and nation.
During the Americanism Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 14, the Hickory Elks presented public service awards honoring three exceptional members of Hickory’s fire, police, and public services departments—Fire Captain Stephen Romano, Master Police Officer Austin Steele, and Street Division Crew Leader McKinley Sherrill.
Fire Captain Stephen Romano was nominated by his peers and named the 2026 Exceptional Firefighter of the Year for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and service. Rising through the ranks to Captain and often serving as relief Battalion Chief, Romano consistently goes above and beyond—supporting training initiatives, standardizing equipment for safety and efficiency, and leading key committees focused on strategic planning, health and wellness, and personnel recognition. As commander of the department’s honor guard, he has represented Hickory with professionalism and compassion, most notably coordinating funeral arrangements following a recent line-of-duty death while providing unwavering support to colleagues. Romano’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and community makes him an outstanding role model and a deserving recipient of this honor.
Master Police Officer Austin Steele was chosen by his peers and named the 2026 Exceptional Police Officer of the Year. Steele has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community safety by relentlessly pursuing the most violent offenders. He has developed valuable partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to assist with his investigations to prevent violent offenders from victimizing others. He also has a passion for caring for his co-workers and other first responders. He volunteered to serve as a peer mentor for the department’s Critical Incident Response Team. He has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to support fellow first responders following high-stress events. His presence ensures that no officer processes a traumatic incident in isolation.
Street Division Crew Leader McKinley Sherrill was selected as the 2026 Exceptional Hickory City Public Services Employee of the Year for his unwavering dedication, exemplary work ethic, and decades of service to the community. Since joining the City in 1994 as a Laborer 1, Sherrill has steadily advanced through the ranks by embracing training opportunities, maintaining key certifications, and consistently leading by example. Known for his calm, steady presence during emergencies, he routinely responds to after-hours calls and has played critical roles in major events—from the 2017 tornado and multiple snowstorms to the extensive cleanup following Hurricane Helene. Sherrill’s skill, professionalism, and commitment to superior customer service are evident in the many ways he assists residents, supports coworkers, and tackles urgent infrastructure needs with optimism and humility. Admired by colleagues and appreciated across the city, he continues to go above and beyond without complaint, embodying the very best of public service.
The City of Hickory is proud of these public servants and congratulates them on receiving this high honor. Special thanks to the Hickory Elks Lodge for its efforts to recognize those who give of themselves to better the community.