Johnny Cook was surprised when he was awarded a prestigious state award for his work to assist children with disabilities, but in reflection if the recognition helps spread the word about the services available, he’s glad to brush aside modesty.

This month, Cook, an officer at Premier Bank and Cullman City Council member, was called to Montgomery where Gov. Kay Ivey awarded him the state’s top award for public service for helping Alabamians with disabilities find employment. He was also awarded a regional award and was nominated by Lisa Dickinson of the Alabama Career Center in Cullman.

While raising two children with serious hearing impairments, Cook has quietly been an advocate for many families throughout the community to help them connect with the services provided by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Before Cook’s son, Braden, graduated from Cullman High School, he was referred by a counselor to the state agency to assist with the next steps in his son’s education and career.

“The people at the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services had a lot to do with Braden, and then our daughter, Mary Ellen, who had a similar condition, graduating college and moving on to productive careers in the community,” Cook said. “They will work with you through school and the rest of your life concerning your education, career and health.”

Braden graduated from Auburn University and works for Ingram’s in the poultry industry, while Mary Ellen graduated from Wallace State Community College and is an x-ray technician at Lawrence Medical Center.

“I can tell you this is a state agency that is effective in what they do. They do a great job of working with people and helping you to move forward,” Cook said. “I remember one time, not long ago, there was a move afoot to reduce their funding to save money and I worked against that with our local legislators and others. This agency, I know what they do, and their effective and accountable in their work.”

Cook, along with his wife, Dawn, have been involved with local families for 10 years to help direct them to the state agency’s programs.

“We share our experiences. A lot of people don’t know what to do when you have a child with a disability,” Cook said. It’s not an easy road to travel, but it’s a road that can be traveled. You have to treat your child just like any other child and let them be involved in the things they want to do. Braden’s hearing impairment didn’t stop him from playing football and enjoying his school and moving on to a great career.”

Cook said his wife spent years driving their children to appointments in Birmingham. Together, they involved the entire family and all developed a sense of light-heartedness along the way.

“You have to lighten up and let that be part of the feeling and just keep working toward the goal. The service is great and makes a big difference for people,” Cook said. “I can’t say enough, too, about our school system and how everyone worked so well with us, and here at my job at Premier Bank to be allowed to spend time working with others.”

Premier President Jay Mullins said he and everyone at the bank are proud of Cook’s service and support his efforts to bring hope to others.

“He has always been community-minded, giving back to this area. Fortunately, being associated with a local community bank allows him to see the opportunities to serve his community, and take the time to perform these services,” Mullins said.

Cook added, “I sometimes feel guilty for receiving an award for doing things you should be doing. But I hope it just brings more attention to the fact that there is help for families that is effective. I know I want to keep doing everything I can.”