COLLIER COUNTY 100 SPONSORS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS

COLLIER COUNTY 100 SPONSORS THE DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS HOSTED BY THE GREATER NAPLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Collier County 100 Club, established in 1986 to provide financial assistance to first responders in times of need and tragedy, sponsored the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce annual Distinguished Public Service Awards at the Naples Yacht Club held January 18th.

The event honored local heroes in law enforcement, fire, and emergency services who have exceeded the daily job requirements in Collier County and have gone above and beyond.

The 2022 honorees were:

Law Enforcement: Corporal Henry Fedorchak, Corporal James Sheran, Deputy Rebecca Maciques

Fire Services: Battalion Chief Erick Baltodano

Emergency Medical Services: Battalion Chief Charlie Matthews

This year marked the 19th anniversary of the Distinguished Public Service Awards event.

The Collier County 100 Club’s mission is to financially assist first responders and their families in times of tragedy. 100 Clubs first started in Florida in the early 1980s, and the Collier County 100 Club was incorporated in 1985 to provide support for the families of fallen officers. Over time, the club broadened its mission to include all first responders serving in Collier County. That included not only the Sheriff’s Office, the various police and fire departments, and the emergency medical services but also the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Wildlife officers.

Collier County 100 Club President Russell Budd said, “The Collier County 100 Club is deeply grateful to all the first responders who put their lives on the line daily. The Distinguished Public Service Award recipients recognized at this year’s event reflect values of integrity, bravery, and selflessness, putting the public’s safety and well-being first during moments of exceptional risk, and for that, we recognize and thank each and every one of Collier Counties first responders for their unwavering commitment.”

Board Vice President Pat O’Conner noted, “A prime example of our first responder’s heroism and dedication was tested this past Fall when the devastating storm of Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida. Our first responders were quick to respond and attend to the community’s various needs during and after Hurricane Ian’s impact while they themselves were impacted. During this time, The Collier County 100 Club responded quickly with support, Within two weeks of Hurricane Ian, we had distributed $40,000.00 in funds for immediate needs to first responders. To date, we have now dispersed $172,000.00 to 57 first responders who lost everything or faced significant damages. Thanks to Senator and Mrs. Scott and other donors, we will be able to distribute over $130,000.00 more as the final needs are determined and provided to us.”

Sponsors of the event are First Horizon, The Wellington Group at Morgan Stanley, Collier County 100 Club, Patrick O’Connor Premier Sotheby’, Dragon Horse Agency, and Gulf Coast International, Properties, Maxwell Mortgage Team, and PremierSotheby’s International Realty.

The Greater Naples Chamber is a nonprofit organization of more than 1,200 active members that works to strengthen the local economy and promote the business community. The Chamber accomplishes this through public policy and business advocacy, leadership programs, executive business forums and sessions, and enhanced member benefits and services. The Chamber is dedicated to cultivating economic opportunity for all. For more information, call 239-262-6376 or visit www.napleschamber.org.

For more information about the Collier County 100 Club, or to donate online, please visitcollier100club.org or call(239) 262-0015