The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce saluted the men and women who work tirelessly to protect and serve the families and businesses of the Lake Norman region at a Public Safety Luncheon held at Northstone Country Club in Huntersville. The twenty-third annual event was emceed by Chamber president Bill Russell, who spoke to the critical role the police, fire, and first responders play in making the Lake Norman community a great place to live, work, and visit. Russell, and 2026 Board Chair-elect Leah Trowbridge, presented awards along with Mayors Washam (Cornelius), Knox (Davidson), and Commissioners Nick Walsh and Edwin Quarles (Huntersville) to the most outstanding officer from each North Mecklenburg department, selected by their respective chief.

The awards program was presented by Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union and sponsored by Lake Norman Publications, Cornelius Today, and WSIC.

The below is the detailed accounting of each officer:

Lieutenant Matthew Figaro - Cornelius Police Department

As the supervisor of three units, Lieutenant Figaro manages an incredible range of responsibilities while never losing sight of the people who serve under him. He consistently makes himself available to officers, offering guidance, support, and mentorship. No matter how busy his schedule may be, his door is always open, and his phone always remains on. His leadership values ensure that each unit under his command functions at the highest level.

In addition to these duties, Lieutenant Figaro serves as one of the North Mecklenburg SWAT Commanders. This role requires composure under pressure, sound decision-making, and an ability to inspire confidence in others. Under his leadership, the team has remained highly disciplined, well-trained, and mission ready. His skill in this position reflects not only his dedication to achieve operational superiority but also his unwavering commitment to the safety of both his officers and the citizens we serve.

What makes Lieutenant Figaro stand out is his positive outlook and determination to improve not only himself, but those around him. He approaches challenges with optimism, viewing them as opportunities to grow and to push the department forward. His constant positive attitude creates an environment where officers feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to do their best work. He invests in the professional development of all, constantly looking for ways to mentor and prepare the next generation of leaders.

Lieutenant Figaro also truly embodies our department’s values and our motto, “Family Strong, Community Focused.” He leads with integrity, treats every member of this department like family, and never loses sight of the community we are sworn to protect. His leadership is not just about managing divisions or commanding teams, it is about building people up, strengthening relationships, and setting a standard of excellence that others naturally follow.

Detective Rachel Thornton - Davidson Police Department

The Davidson Police Department and Chief Philip Geiger are proud to recognize Detective Rachel Thornton as the 2025 Davidson Police Officer of the Year. With over 15 years of dedicated service, Detective Thornton has built her career around advocacy and justice for the most vulnerable members of the community. Specializing in Special Victims cases—including crimes against children, sexual assault, and domestic violence—she has become a trusted expert and tireless investigator. In 2022, she earned her Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, the state’s highest award, with over 1,500 hours of specialized training. 

This past year, she investigated 73 domestic violence cases and secured 51 warrants, earning consistent praise from the District Attorney’s Office for the clarity and professionalism of her casework. Finally, she served as the keynote speaker at Pat’s Place Annual Event and delivered a powerful personal story of advocacy and survival. In addition to her investigative excellence, she mentors new officers, leads regional training initiatives, manages our domestic violence prosecution grant, and serves as a voice for victims. Detective Thornton exemplifies integrity, compassion, and leadership—qualities that make her truly deserving of this honor.

Officer William “Bill” Broadway (posthumous) - Huntersville Police Department

Chief Brian Vaughn Writes, "It is my honor to nominate Officer William “Bill” Broadway of the Huntersville Police Department posthumously for the 2025 Officer of the Year award.

Bill joined the Huntersville Police Department in 2022 after serving with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. From the day he arrived, Bill made an immediate and lasting impact. He approached every shift with unmatched energy and purpose, known for his relentless work ethic, sharp investigative mind, and deep compassion for the community he served. He made victims feel safe, held offenders accountable, and embodied professionalism in every sense of the word. If anyone dared tried to outwork him, he’d kick into overdrive and leave everyone in the dust. A quality he possessed his entire life, personally and professionally.

During his time with HPD, Bill earned both a Lifesaving Award and a Police Commendation for actions that went above and beyond the normal scope of duty. He was a difference maker, an incredible officer and an even better person.

When his cancer diagnosis required him to step back from full-time patrol, Bill refused to let that slow him down. He found new ways to serve, using his time on modified duty assignment to create what became our foundation for what I hope to be a future real-time crime center, an initiative that earned him the nickname “Real Time.” Even through treatment and adversity, Bill continued contributing to investigations, mentoring his peers, and improving the department in meaningful ways. He single handedly help solve numerous crimes even though he was begrudgingly assigned to desk duty.

Bill passed away at the end of August 2025 after an 18-month battle with cancer. His strength, courage, and commitment never wavered. While this nomination is posthumous, it’s important to note that Bill would likely have been Huntersville PD’s nominee regardless of how his journey ended, because he embodied everything, we, as an agency, value in a police officer: honor, professionalism, and dedication.

Bill’s impact will be felt for years to come. His legacy lives on through his family, Sarah and son Declan, his colleagues, and the community he served so faithfully."

Pictured is his wife Sarah Broadway.