Covington Public Safety Director Stacey Cotton received the 2012 E.G. Lassiter Rotarian of the Year Award from the Rotary Club of Covington.

Outgoing Club President Brook Collins presented the award at their weekly meeting in Covington.

"Stacey exemplifies Rotary's belief in service above self," stated Collins.

Cotton's acts of service in 2012 include organizing the Newton County High School Football championship trophy and Covington's Top Ten Banquet honoring high school seniors. In addition, Stacey brought many interesting and informative programs to the club. For 2012, Stacey has taken on another important project, the Rotary Empty Stocking Fund.

In attendance were Stacey's wife, Lana, son Kyle, his father, Honorable Stacey W. Cotton (retired) and his mom, Suzanne. Also on hand for the presentation was current Rotary president Wayne Pugh.