Police officer earns first ‘Everyday Hero’ award, honored at Cavs game

by Laura Bednar

Independence police Sgt. Everett Haworth was recently recognized as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ and SERVPRO’s first “Everyday Hero,” a monthly celebration of a Northeast Ohio first responder who goes above and beyond to protect the community. 

Winners are chosen based on community nominations by a board of SERVPRO and Cleveland Cavaliers organization members. Honorees are given four tickets to a Cavs game, where they are recognized on the court.

“It was a really humbling experience,” said Haworth. “Thousands have done what I have and for me to be chosen is an honor and privilege. They were appreciative of my service.”

Dennis Fosdick, SERVPRO Team Fosdick vice president, said Haworth stuck out to both organizations. “He showed commitment to the community and gave back to help his fellow employees. You could see how much he cared,” said Fosdick.

Haworth was nominated for the award by members of the Independence police administration for his work in implementing the officer wellness program. Police Chief Robert Butler tasked Haworth with leading the program, which provides physical, emotional and financial wellness for all officers.

Haworth said the goal is to “keep officers as safe and healthy as possible.”

For physical wellness, Haworth said the department has a full service gym and “officers work out for one hour while on duty.” The department is in the process of installing $40,000 worth of new gym equipment, which includes a cold plunge/portable sauna. Butler also purchases healthy foods for officers, like fruit, nuts and items rich in protein.

To maintain officers’ emotional health, Haworth said Independence has three officers trained to speak confidentially with police in need of support. These officers can also refer people to a psychologist.

Haworth said a financial company talked to officers about investments and retirement plans as part of the financial component. 

“There is a department library that provides literature on all these components,” said Haworth.

2024 marked the third year of the program, and Haworth said officers are “happier, healthier and morale is at an all time high,” adding that when officers are in a healthy state, they do a better job.

Haworth is a third-generation law enforcement officer, who joined the military and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. There, he sustained severe injuries from an attack and spent 13-14 months in rehabilitation before returning to police work. Haworth said the ordeal led him to realize what it takes to overcome challenges.

“I know how to recover from traumatic events and I am well-suited to lead the department in the direction [of officer wellness],” he said. “Our department is proud to have received this recognition and we will build upon our success and listen to officer suggestions.” The Everyday Hero program has grown since its inception last year. Fosdick said as of Feb. 5, over 160 nominations were received for heroes in the past 30 days. He also said an Everyday Hero wall is in the process of being built on the main concourse of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to recognized past honorees.

Photo caption: Sgt. Everett Haworth (middle) was recognized on the court at a Cleveland Cavaliers game. Standing with him are (l) Dennis Fosdick Jr., co-owner at SERVPRO Team Fosdick Northeast Ohio and Toledo; and Bill Fagan, president of business operations for the Cavaliers. Photo courtesy of city of Independence.