The Bossier Chamber of Commerce held its fourth annual Salute to Community Heroes event on May 15 at Margaritaville Resort Casino. This event, presented by sponsor Willis Knighton Health, recognized 17 finalists and named 7 Community Heroes.
The Salute to Community Heroes event was designed to not only continue the tradition the Bossier Chamber has of recognizing our military and first-responders for their great work day-in and day-out, but to also recognize those in other sectors who do work daily to make the lives of those in our community better. The nominees come from the sectors of education, healthcare, non-profit, military and law enforcement.
The keynote speaker was Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Jay McCallum. Justice McCallum has been a Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court since 2020 and is a renowned speaker and lecturer across the South. He captivated the audience with his humor, wit, and wisdom.
Taking home the top honors as our 2025 Community Heroes, awarded by sponsor Comcast Business, were:
Mark Allen – Shreveport Fire Department: Throughout his career, Shreveport Fire Department Captain Mark Allen has served our community through countless acts of bravery, professionalism, and dedication. He served in the United States Military for 28 years, and as a Training Officer and Training Station Captain, Mark provided leadership and instruction for several specialized response certifications. Mark was diagnosed with cancer and is unable to return to the job that he loves, but despite this hardship, his unwavering character and determination continue to inspire everyone who meets him.
John Atkins – Atco Investment Co.: John Atkins is a partner at Atco Investment Company, Louisiana Timber Partners, and is a civic leader for Air Force Global Strike Command. John also serves as the District 9 Commissioner for Caddo Parish. Countless airmen have benefitted from his philanthropic support and passionate involvement with Barksdale AFB as a civilian. John’s humble generosity and dedication to stepping up when leadership is needed have supported our community for many years.
Dr. Kevin Baxter – Louisiana State University Shreveport: Dr. Kevin Baxter is a department Chair and program Director at LSUS for their only doctorate program, focused on developing leaders. Dr. Baxter served for 20 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard, and he worked as a law enforcement officer for Bossier City PD and as a trooper for the Louisiana State Police. During all of these careers, Dr. Baxter served as a leader and a mentor, and brings that extensive knowledge and experience to his students and faculty. Every day, Dr. Baxter shares his wisdom to effectively prepare future leaders in his program.
Kenny Gallon and Danny “Bo” Turner – Bossier City Police Dept.: Responding to a shots fired call, Officers Bo Turner and Kenny Gallon of the Bossier City Police Department arrived at a Valero gas station. While responding to the call, Officer Gallon was fired upon and struck multiple times by the suspect, nearly giving the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officer Turner arrived on the scene and rendered aid to Officer Gallon and to a citizen who had been shot and sustained a life threating injury. Both officers show true courage and commitment to serving and protecting our community.
Debbie Lockey – Bossier Parish Schools: While driving her route as a Bossier Parish Schools bus driver, Debbie Lockey noticed that one of the students in her bus was in distress and choking. Acting quickly, she pulled the bus over and performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the object that was stuck in the student’s throat. Debbie went above and beyond her ordinary responsibilities as a bus driver to utilize her first aid training and save the life of a child in her care.
Tiffany Olson - Willis Knighton Health South: Tiffany Olson is a patient care coordinator at Willis Knighton South who established a partnership between Willis Knighton and North Desoto Middle School for the “Medical Detectives” program. At North Desoto, Medical Detectives was a class that Tiffany’s daughter was enrolled in. One day, her daughter asked if Tiffany would be willing to help develop a partnership with Willis Knighton to expand the Medical Detectives program. Tiffany agreed and worked alongside the ER leadership team to secure funding, equipment, and coordinate a hands-on field trip so that the students at North Desoto could learn about healthcare from medical professionals at their place of work. Tiffany stepped up for her daughter and helped to create a program that has taught dozens of middle school students about the medical world.
Salute to Community Heroes is presented by Willis Knighton Health, along with sponsors Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Margaritaville Resort Casino, Balentine Ambulance Service, Live Oak Environmental, LSU Shreveport, Comcast Business, and Bonvenu Bank.