Reginald Martiner was overcome with emotion after receiving the February Rising Star Award Wednesday for his hard work as a Vaughan Wellness and Fitness Center employee.

The Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce presented Martiner the award after learning from how dedicated he is to his job. The Rising Star Award is given awarded every month businesses or individuals that showcase outstanding customer service.

“I just thank God. Give God the glory,” Martiner said before shedding a few tears. “It means a lot to me.”

Reginald was a former client of the West Alabama Rehab Center and later became an employee at Vaughan Wellness and Fitness Center. Several staff members with the center described his work as exceptional.

Martiner doesn’t let the fact he doesn’t own a car stop him from arriving at work to present his best effort. No matter the weather, Martiner can be found walking from his home along J.L. Chestnut Boulevard early each morning to get work on time.

Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce executive director Sheryl Smedley said the chamber’s board members were impressed with his selfless acts of kindness.

“He’s just an exceptional guy to our community,” Smedley said.

Those who have interacted with Martiner agreed he was an amazing individual.

“Reggie is just a hero to all of us,” Vaughn Wellness and Fitness Center member Buddy Perkins said. “He’s here at 5 a.m. in the morning. He’s here for everybody. He never misses work. He does what every needs to be done whenever it needs to be done, so we are just happy to have him.”

Vaughn Fitness supervisor said Martiner is a great, dependable employee, who does his daily tasks with a positive attitude.

“He’s very deserving of it,” Vaughn Wellness and Fitness Center supervisor Lea Timore said. “He’s very dependable, here everyday… great team player.”

Nominations for the Rising Star Award can be made at the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce office on Selma Avenue near the Dallas County Courthouse.

For information on the program, contact the Chamber at 875-7241.