THANK YOU to all of our police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, EMS workers, and other fearless first responders!
We are so grateful for all of your hard work, dedication, and willingness to risk life and limb for others.
Listen each Wednesday at 7:11 a.m. and 9:11 a.m. as the Q Morning Crew features and says thank you to a local Hometown Hero.
The featured Hometown Hero will win a gift card from Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero? Click Here.
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Hometown Hero of the Week
Hometown Hero of the Week: Joel Wharton, July 2nd, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Joel Wharton, Lieutenant for the Smithfield Fire Department.
Joel was nominated by Caren, who says, “He truly puts his everything in to the department and community. He is kind, hardworking, and always goes above and beyond. Along with that, he helped me raise four boys, now men who have all proven to be great humans! (One also is in law enforcement.) He is a hands-on and involved Papa to our three grandchildren as well. He is deserving of this recognition and in knowing that he is loved and appreciated by his wife and family.”
Thank you, Joel for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Previously Featured Hometown Heroes
