As thousands at the Tampa Convention Center thank local public safety officers for their heroism, everyone remembers sacrifices in the Middle East.
By TAMARA LUSH
Published May 10, 2003
TAMPA - Trooper Luis Noel Rios helped the victims of a massive train derailment.
Deputy Joseph Burt saved a man with Alzheimer's from drowning in a lake.
Sgt. James Preston brings order to what is usually a chaotic scene - Ybor City.
All three men were honored Friday during the ninth annual Our Heroes' Luncheon, which celebrates the work of local public safety officers and commemorates those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
More than 4,000 public safety officers turned out for the event, which was held at the Tampa Convention Center.
Cuban sandwiches and salad were served, along with gooey chocolate cake for dessert.
This year's program was a little different than in the past - armed services personnel were also honored.
The Robinson High School Band played a song in honor of Lance Cpl. Andy Aviles, a Tampa Marine who died in combat in Iraq.
John Carney, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, said the work that all public safety officers perform - from the officer in the neighborhood to the Special Forces units in Afghanistan - is fraught with risk.
"The value of today's luncheon is to remind ourselves what wars are and the cost to us in human terms," he said.
During the lunch, several local officers were singled out for awards.
Robert Collins was named Hillsborough County's firefighter of the year.
Collins, who has been with Fire Rescue for seven years, helps recruit minority applicants to the department. He also volunteers to educate at-risk children about careers in the fire department.
Collins was modest about Friday's ceremony, during which he was recognized in front of several thousand people.
"I'm bashful," said Collins. "Most of the people in our line of work are kind of shy in front of the cameras."
Others honored included: Luis Noel Rios, Florida Highway Patrol trooper of the year; Deputy Joseph Burt, Hillsborough Sheriff's Office law enforcement deputy of the year; Deputy John Bearden, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detention deputy of the year; Officer Christine Bennett, University of South Florida Police Department officer of the year; and Sgt. Scott Seifer, Tampa International Airport Police Department officer of the year.
Also, Bart Butler, Plant City Fire Rescue firefighter of the year; Driver/Operator Daniel Carsey, MacDill Air Force Base civilian of the year; Officer Fred Morris, Plant City Police Department officer of the year; Paramedic Roger Picard, Tampa Fire Rescue firefighter of the year; Sgt. James Preston, Tampa Police Department officer of the year; Senior Patrol Officer Darrin Berberat, Temple Terrace Police Department officer of the year; and Paramedic Scott Murley, Temple Terrace Fire Department firefighter of the year.
Four students, all the children of public safety officers, won the Coy L. Sykes Memorial Scholarship: Jamie Lynn DeSiato of Sickles High School; Karla Michelle Replogle of Riverview High; Jose Antonio Rodicio of Sickles and Nicole Lynn Sacca of Tampa Bay Technical.
