Robert L. “Robbie” Barton, an agent with the District 8 office of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, was recently named the Emory Folmar ABC Agent of the Year.

Barton, a two-year employee with the Andalusia-based district that covers Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, Butler and Pike counties, was chosen for the honor out of all the ABC agents in the state, Lt. Lance Price said.

“(Barton) is one of this district’s five agents,” Price said. “He is an outstanding officer and through his dedicated work ethic, the number of cases worked, and the amount of physical training combined with his perfect score on the firearms and annual PT tests, he was recognized as the best agent in the state for 2009.”

Barton, along with his fellow agents, were honored last week by Gov. Bob Riley at the agency’s annual meeting in Montgomery.

As a result of his win, Price said Barton is eligible to receive a merit raise and a new “Charger” work car.

Barton said he was “humbled and honored” by the award.

“Through the outstanding efforts of this department was the only way I could have been nominated for this honor and the only way I could win,” he said. “It was because of their effort I was able to win this award.”

Additionally, District 8 was named the agency’s “District of the Year,” Price said.