CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Albermarle County Sgt. Ryan Sheridan and his K-9 partner, Dembe, were recognized as finalists of the First Responder of the Year Award on Friday during a ceremony at The Market at Mill Creek as part of the National Association of Convenience Stores Foundation’s annual 24/7 Day, which honors the relationship between first responders and convenience stores that serve communities around the clock.

The NACS Foundation created the First Responder of the Year Award to recognize first responders who go above and beyond in serving their communities.

“We wanted to put a national spotlight on these local heroes,” Kevin O’Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation, told Cville Right Now. “We all know someone who’s a first responder — a friend, a neighbor, a family member. They’re cut from the same cloth. They’re running into danger while protecting and serving us at all hours of the day.”

This year’s competition drew about 600 nominations from across the country. Sheridan and Dembe were selected as one of just three finalists after nominations were reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, NACS Foundation staff and community partners.

For Sheridan, the honor was unexpected.

“When I found out it was being recognized across the country, I was shocked,” Sheridan told Cville Right Now. “Just being a small-town Virginia guy, I never thought I’d be nominated. To be selected out of more than 500 first responders is amazing. I’m still trying to process it.”

According to the nomination, Sheridan and Dembe distinguished themselves through their work throughout 2025, contributing to several high-profile arrests and critical public safety operations across Albemarle County. Sheridan responded to 373 calls for service, many requiring urgent assistance to patrol officers, and routinely volunteered for additional callouts.

O’Connell said Sheridan stood out because of his consistent commitment to public service rather than a single heroic moment.

“It was a pattern of leadership and dedication to his community,” O’Connell said. “His nomination was incredibly heartfelt, and it was backed by the many events and incidents he’s been part of over the last several years. His partnership with K-9 Dembe also showed the level of training and teamwork that helps keep the community safe.”

Sheridan was quick to shift the attention to his K-9 partner.

“He’s one of my best friends,” Sheridan said. “I’m just the fortunate one holding the leash behind an amazing dog. He knows when it’s time to work and when he’s off duty, he loves people, loves kids and just enjoys being part of the community.”

Sheridan said he hopes Dembe helps residents see another side of police K-9s.

“People see an apprehension dog, but they also need to see that he’s loving and enjoys being around people,” he said. “These dogs are here for support, safety and building trust in the community. That’s just as important as the work they do on the job.”

A veteran officer with more than two decades in law enforcement, Sheridan said his motivation remains rooted in serving others.

“You have to enjoy this job because it comes with highs and lows,” he said. “What keeps me going is knowing I’m out here protecting and serving good people in this community.”

He added that some of the most meaningful moments come from helping people through difficult situations.

“Most of the people we meet are having one of the worst days of their lives,” Sheridan said. “If we can help turn someone’s bad day into a better day, that’s what it’s all about. We’re all human, and it’s our job to treat people with respect.”

O’Connell said he hopes the award reminds communities to recognize the sacrifices first responders make every day.

“These first responders work tirelessly,” he said. “This is a chance to pause and say, ‘This is for you.’ We want people to find a first responder in their life, nominate them and recognize everything they do for their communities.”

For Sheridan, he was grateful to be recognized.

“I’m very blessed,” Sheridan said. “I never would have thought I’d be here today. I just love what I do, and I’m grateful to be recognized for doing a job that’s always been about serving others.”