On September 9, 2016, The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association commemorated the 15th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, at its annual Patriot Day Breakfast. This community event was held at the Orange County Convention Center and included the remembrance of the victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and the PULSE Nightclub shooting of June 12, 2016.
This breakfast featured Honorary Chair, John Mina, City of Orlando Police Chief; guest emcee Jim Payne, WESH 2 News Anchor and Keynote Speaker; and Mike Fineo, September 11, 2001 Survivor.
In addition, CFHLA honored the following Central Florida “First Responders”:
Heroism Award – Fire Rescue
Orange County Fire Rescue: Firefighter Ryan Allen
Heroism Award – Law Enforcement
Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Sergeant Scott Ames
Life Saving Award – Fire Rescue
Seminole County Fire Department: Firefighter Marcus Gombs, Firefighter Wesley Gonzalez, Lieutenant Rich Huebner, Firefighter David McDonald, Firefighter Dane Moyer, Lieutenant Kevin Welday, Firefighter Kevin Nowak and Battalion Chief Dennis Miller
Life Saving Award – EMS
St. Cloud Fire Rescue: Battalion Chief William Campbell, Lieutenant Miguel Diaz, Engineer Justin Sparkes,
Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Robinson, Paramedic Ryan Gallik, Paramedic Daniel Thibodeau and Emergency Medical Technician Tyler Graves
Life Saving Award – Law Enforcement
Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Sergeant Keith Vidler and Sergeant Randal Zeller
Life Saving Award – Hospitality Security
Drew Bailey, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Lifetime Achievement Award
Seminole County Sheriff Donald Eslinger and Osceola County Sheriff Bob Hansell.
CFHLA would like to thank presenting sponsor Radio One / Motorola for their continued partnership of this important community activity and corporate sponsor Orlando Health.