A program born out of tragedy is making a positive impact on first responders. Vicki Moak’s Warriors of the Badge program is doing what she planned: Helping survivors of first responders killed in the line of duty and those critically wounded on the job.

Moak, mother of slain Brookhaven Police officer Zack Moak, founded the program earlier this year. In May, Warriors of the Badge presented its first check to the widow of Biloxi Police officer Robert McKeithen. The 24-year officer was gunned down just steps from the front door of the Biloxi Police Department earlier that month. The group gave a check Saturday to Concordia Parish Sheriff’s deputy Walter J. “Mack” Mackel. He was shot July 25 while investigating an armed robbery in Vidalia, Louisiana. and is recuperating from several surgeries. He, his wife, Pamala, and daughter Madison were at the presentation.

Below is a look back at a few more good news headlines.

• Library director Henry Ledet has retired after 41 years on the job, and a reception in his honor took place this week.

“The library struggled for its identity while computers were coming in, and there was a lot of doom and gloom in general about libraries becoming obsolete,” new director Katrina Castilaw said. “Instead of being scared, Henry embraced change was able to mix the traditional with technical.”

He has also been instrumental in obtaining art for the library. The Lincoln County Public Library houses several pieces, funded through grants and private donations.

• Enterprise senior Brodie Harris was named The Daily Leader Defensive Player of the Week after a strong performance against Salem. Harris made four solo tackles, assisted on eight more, and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

• BA’s Harrison Brownlee was named the Offensive Player of the Week after helping his team to a win over Sylva-Bay. He caught four passes for 86 yards and the go-ahead score, and also ran the ball once on a reverse that picked up 31 yards in the first half.

• Brookhaven’s girls and boys cross-country teams took first place at the Ole Brook Invitational. Senior Jacob Britt won the boys’ race with a time of 16 minutes and 35 seconds. He was followed by a trio of sophomore teammates Grayson Childress (16:42), Sam Arnold (16:58) and Jake Thompson (17:36) in second through fourth place, respectively.

In the girls race, Aubrey Britt of Loyd Star, the two-time defending 2A state champ, finished second with a time of 21:04. Sophomore Ellie Slay was the top finisher from BHS with a time of 22:01.