WESH’s Jim Payne Wins Jefferson Award

The Florida & United Safety Council announced that it is awarding WESH Orlando, Fla., anchor Jim Payne its Jefferson Award for community service during its 58^th Annual Safety Awards Banquet on Jan. 28. The Safety Council says Payne is receiving the award for his “unselfish contributions of time and talents towards not just the council’s betterment, but the entire Central Florida community.”

According to WESH GM Jim Carter, “Jim is a wonderful role model for all of us. During his 10 years here at WESH he has been involved at a significant level in numerous organizations — Special Olympics Florida, Kids House of Seminole, Make-A-Wish — plus has given of his personal time for appearances at dozens of fundraising events each year. We applaud him on this well-deserved recognition.”

The organization behind the award, The American Institute for Public Service, started the program in 1972 as a way to recognize community and public service in America. Payne now moves from being a local honoree to consideration for a national award.