Northport honors Citizens of the Year Thursday

Dozens of leaders from around the city of Northport filled the city hall banquet room Thursday for the annual Citizens of the Year Awards.

“It makes you feel good,” said Jerry Pruitt from Northport Fire Rescue. “Just knowing that there are people out there really watching you. They respect and that is their way of saying thanks.”

This was the 45th time the city of Northport has named a citizen of the year.

“This community is very special for me because this was my first city when I came here 22 years ago,” Pastor Garcia said. “I have been here for 22 years living in the same city, the same community. I know lots of people. Wonderful, sweet people here. I love to live in Northport.”

John Boyd received the Heritage Pioneer Award, Dana Dunn was named Educator of the Year, Ronnie Lett walked away as Religious Leader of the Year, Pastor Garcia was awarded Business Leader of the Year and Jimmy “Chico” Pruitt took home Public Safety Leader of the Year.

For the first time ever, two people were honored as Northport Citizen of the Year.  The late Mayor Donna Aaron and her husband Sonny Aaron.

“It means everything to me,” Sonny Aaron said. “For everything she did and did for Northport. It just means a lot. She’s standing tall in heaven right now.”