More than 200 people gathered at the Cleveland Civic Center on Thursday, Nov. 5, as the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon, recognizing the men and women who serve and protect communities throughout the area.
The event, which has become a tradition for the Chamber over the past four or five years, brings together law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency personnel and community members for a meal and an opportunity to recognize outstanding service.
Victoria Good, chief operating officer for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s attendance exceeded expectations. While the Chamber’s regular monthly luncheons typically draw between 130 and 150 people, more than 200 attended the first responders event.
“It’s great because a lot of the first responders were able to come enjoy lunch and many didn’t even know they were getting an award,” Good said.
Precinct 6 Constable Zack Harkness plays a major role in organizing the event each year, Good said. He contacts law enforcement and emergency response agencies throughout the county, working with their leadership to identify individuals deserving of recognition.
The Chamber’s board of directors also pitches in, preparing and serving lunch for the guests. West Smith of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home handles the barbecue meat each year, while other board members contribute the buns, pickles, onions, side dishes and desserts.
This year’s menu featured chopped barbecue beef sandwiches, and board members volunteered their time to serve the meal. Lunch was provided free of charge to all first responders.
Among the memorable moments at this year’s luncheon was a surprise involving Rayeleen Gregory, wife of Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department Chief Paul Gregory.
Good said Rayeleen attended the luncheon to accept an award on behalf of her husband, who was unable to attend. What she didn’t realize was that she, too, would be recognized for her work with the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office. She was named Employee of the Year.
“The event gives us all a moment to recognize the hard work of our first responders,” Good said.
The luncheon also featured Texas Ranger Josh Benson as the guest speaker. Benson discussed the realities of true crime investigations and explained how Texas Rangers work alongside other law enforcement agencies to investigate and solve crimes.
For the Chamber, the annual luncheon is more than an opportunity to present awards. It is a chance for the business community to show its appreciation to the first responders who answer calls for help, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances.
First responder award recipients
The following individuals were recognized during the luncheon:
- Ivan Pearce, District Attorney’s Office — Lifetime Achievement Award
- Paul Gregory, Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department — Outstanding Leadership Award
- Deputy Fernando Lucio, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office — Lifesaving Award
- Deputy Bryan Garcia, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office — Lifesaving Award
- Sgt. Thomas Coldwell, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office — Agency Advancement Award
- Rayeleen Gregory, Pct. 5 Constable’s Office — Secretary/Employee of the Year
- Jessica Harwell, Pct. 3 Constable’s Office — Civil Clerk of the Year
- Greg Rodriguez, Pct. 2 Constable’s Office — Deputy of the Year
- Kevin Henley, Pct. 6 Constable’s Office — Deputy of the Year
- Donna Smith, Liberty Police Department — Employee of the Year
- Hunter Tellez, Dayton Volunteer Fire Department — Firefighter of the Year
- Jesus Ojeda, Plum Grove Volunteer Fire Department — Dedication in Service Award
- Sean Allison, Plum Grove Police Department — Excellence in Service Award
- Russell Reed, Cleveland Fire Department — Outstanding Leadership Award
- Refugio Gonzalez, Dayton Police Department — Excellence in Policing and Community Engagement
- Alan Medina, Cleveland Police Department — Officer of the Year
- Anthony Mercado, Cleveland Police Department — Officer of the Year
- Tyler Head, Dayton Police Department — Officer of the Year
- Paul Young, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office — Officer of the Year
