In the News - September 2026

CFHLA Patriot Day Remembrance Breakfast

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

CFHLA welcomed nearly 600 attendees, including 160 first responders from across the Central Florida region. Additionally, we recognized 23 outstanding first responders and hospitality personnel for their incredible service and actions above and beyond in the line of duty.

A special thank you to this year’s Honorary Chair, Orange County Sheriff John Mina, our keynote speaker, retired NYPD detective and 9/11 first responder Milton Rosario, and WESH 2 News anchor Nancy Alvarez who served as our emcee for the fourth consecutive year.

Please join us in congratulating the following Central Florida first responders from law enforcement, fire rescue/EMS, and hospitality security personnel who were honored during today’s program.

Heroism – Law Enforcement
Orange County Sheriff’s Office:
Master Deputy Benajmin Bates

Deputy Sheriff Mohamed Abdullah

Deputy Sheriff Russell Marttila

Heroism – Fire Rescue / EMS
Seminole County Fire Department:

Lieutenant Michael Warren

Engineer Michael Williams

Firefighter/Paramedic Julia Corcoran

Firefighter Brandon Lurvey

Firefighter Luke Sambeli

Lifesaving – Law Enforcement

Ocoee Police Department:

Officer Jonathan Contreras

Officer Madison Perry

Officer Jesus Rose

Officer Raymond Tewari

Lifesaving – Fire Rescue/EMS

Engineer Matthew Sauerbrun, Orange County Fire Rescue

Lifesaving – Hospitality
Mall at Millenia:

Captain Justin Farr

Officer Lendell Adrine

Officer Carlos Barboza

Distinguished Service – Law Enforcement

Osceola County Sheriff’s Office:

Deputy Sheriff Kirk McDonald, Jr.

Deputy Sherif Eddie Ramos

Deputy Sheriff Xavier Rivera

Deputy Sheriff Jose Quinones-Hernandez

Distinguished Service – Fire Rescue/EMS

Longwood Fire Department:

Lieutenant Gerald Evans

Engineer Jason Chesteen

Lifetime Achievement

Retired Officer David Montfort, Orlando Police Department