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FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION RECAP
On November 18, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce held the Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon presented by Tyndall Federal Credit Union. Local Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS and Communications were honored at FSU Panama City as the business community came together to show their gratitude.
During the event, Garrett Anderson, Chairman of the Bay County Chamber Board of Directors, introduced the keynote speaker, Lindsay Fealko, a paramedic for New Orleans EMS as well as a Flight Paramedic for Mississippi Air Rescue. Lindsay has been in EMS for 10 years, starting when she was just out of high school. Recently, she has been featured on the A&E series Nightwatch. This hit show gives the world an inside look at paramedicine.
Florida Forest Service accepts award on behalf of all Firefighters in Bay County
A challenge coin was placed at the seat of everyone in attendance at the luncheon. Dr. Cheryl Flax-Hyman, Interim President of Gulf Coast State College and Chase Christianson, CEO of HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, spoke about the history of the challenge coin, and as a way to show our gratitude, presented all Bay County First Responders with a coin.
Michael Sparks, Chairman of the First Responders Appreciation Task Force presented four First Responder of the Year Awards. These awards were given to those who have gone above and beyond their call of duty to better Bay County. The first award was in recognition to all of the firefighters in Bay County for their courageous efforts in extinguishing the Chipola Complex Fire. Accepting the award was Florida Forest Service. The next award recognized Lt. Billy Carstarphen from the Panama City Police Department. Lt. Carstarphen is a leader and a mentor who has reshaped the City’s policing landscape and proven dedication to excellence. The Communications Award recipient was Rue DeBoer. Rue handles each call with a calmness as she assists those in need while putting together the team of responders to aid those in need.
The final recipient was awarded posthumously to Jack Fox, an EMT with Bay County. Jack had a desire to serve and it was evident in everything he did. His personality, patience and kind heart assisted him greatly while interacting with fellow employees, other first responders, hospital staff and with patients while providing care.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event: Presenting Sponsor: Tyndall Federal Credit Union Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Peaden Award Sponsor: Emerald Coast Hospice Coin Sponsors: Gulf Coast State College & HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital Lunch: Peoples First Insurance Video Sponsor: Williams Communications Gold Sponsor: WMBB News 13, Chevron USA, Verizon, and Florida Power and Light
