Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, left, poses with Deputy James Cooper and Pinellas County Commission John Morroni at the Jan. 25 Appreciation Luncheon for Emergency Personnel. Cooper was one of several local heroes singled out for a special award.
ST. PETERSBURG – A number of local heroes accepted awards during Pinellas Commissioner John Morroni’s Appreciation Luncheon for Emergency Personnel Jan. 25, at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park.
The 18th annual luncheon continued Morroni’s tradition of honoring the men and women who serve as emergency personnel. The sold out event of 415 supporters raised more than $24,000 for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Police Athletic League.
The 2012 Appreciation Awards recognize exceptional dedication and efforts above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of the citizens of Pinellas County. The honorees were:
- Deputy James Cooper with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Officer Karl Wassmer with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10
- Dustin Seabolt, firefighter/paramedic with Palm Harbor Fire Rescue
- Megan Hollern, paramedic; Jeff Banks, emergency medical technician; John Hanshew, paramedic; and Michael Gonzalez, EMT, all members of Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services
“I am so pleased with the support of this luncheon each year, and the support of our first responder community.” Morroni said.
The 19th annual luncheon is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2014. It will benefit Hospice and the local chapter of the Wounded Warriors.
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