BATON ROUGE — United Cajun Navy founder and president Todd Terrell was awarded a Key to the City of Baton Rouge on Tuesday during the annual Golden Deeds banquet at the Crowne Plaza.

Mayor-President Sid Edwards presented the honor to Terrell in recognition of his extensive disaster relief efforts, humanitarian work and community leadership following natural disasters.

“Todd Terrell brings hope to people. He is an inspiration and a God-serving man,” Edwards said. “Through the United Cajun Navy, Todd has dedicated himself to helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”

Terrell, who founded the Baton Rouge-based nonprofit in 2005 after experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina firsthand, dedicated the honor to his team of volunteers.

“Baton Rouge is home, and it means a great deal to have the work of the United Cajun Navy recognized by the community we are proud to serve,” Terrell said. “This recognition belongs not only to me, but to the volunteers, supporters, and everyone who has stood alongside us in answering the call to help others.”

The Key to the City is among Baton Rouge’s highest civilian recognitions, presented by the mayor-president to individuals and groups who have made substantial civic or cultural contributions to the capital region.

The presentation took place at the Golden Deeds event, an annual gathering co-sponsored by The Advocate and the Inter-Civic Council of Greater Baton Rouge that dates back to 1942, honoring outstanding philanthropic and volunteer service across the nine-parish metropolitan area.