CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2025) – Charlotte County Public Safety celebrated bravery, lifesaving efforts, and outstanding service during the annual Public Safety Appreciation & Recognition Banquet. The evening recognized personnel who exemplify the department’s mission of being Community Focused, Excellence Driven.
The Medal of Valor and Medal of Bravery are among the highest honors a first responder can receive, recognizing exceptional acts of courage in the face of extreme danger. On May 20, 2025, Charlotte County Fire & EMS crews responded to a fully engulfed home on Barre Drive with multiple people trapped inside. Through coordinated teamwork and bravery, members risked their lives to rescue victims from the burning structure, actions that reflect the very best of public safety.
Medal of Valor
- Lt. Jefferson Mendel
- River Silva
- Kelly Lechleidner
Medal of Bravery
- Lt. Michael Brucci
- Michael Pietraniec
Firefighter of the Year
- Dakota Brittain
Firefighter-EMT of the Year
- Louis Chieffo
Paramedic of the Year
- Caleb VanHelden
Officer of the Year
- Battalion Chief Michael Seneca
CARES Award
- Lt. Felix Hernandez
Keystone Award
- Dawn Johnston
Phoenix Awards – Presented to those who played a vital role in the successful resuscitation and recovery of a cardiac arrest patient:
Fabian Alvarez, Lt. Brendan Betancourt, Dakota Brittain, Adriano Cabrera, Wendy Chermansky, Louis Chieffo, Michael Cohee Jr., Devonne Davenport, Fabrice Dufrene, Lenar Gabdrakhmanov, Lt. Ryan Gage, Robert Garrick, Jack Hahn, Cole Hall, Mitchell Hardesty, Juan Hernandez, Lt. Justin Hessinger, Joshua Huff, Maksim Martinson, Vincent Maugeri, Lt. Charles McCollum, Max Minucci, Agustin Olivera Hernandez, James Ritch, Joshua Smith, Karina Suarez, Juan Viteri, William Walker, Christian Weatherhead, Robert Whetsel, Jeronimo Yepes-Ospina.
“These awards reflect not only moments of extraordinary valor and bravery, but also the dedication our personnel bring to the job every day. They tell the story of who we are,” said Public Safety Director/Fire Chief Jason Fair. “Whether it’s rushing toward danger, providing critical medical care, or ensuring operations run smoothly behind the scenes, each honoree represents the very best of public safety.”
For information, contact Ashley Turner at 941-833-5610 or Ashley.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
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