Knights of Columbus honor first responder ‘Heroes’

It takes a special breed of person, mentally, physically and emotionally, to do the work of first responders, and be willing to run toward the things that everyone else is running away from.

They deserve thanks and recognition, and last week the Knights of Columbus Council 6624 in Kissimmee held its annual salute event to the ranks of local first responders, inviting those from Osceola County’s law enforcement, corrections and fire rescue agencies for a night of appreciation—and a hearty dinner.

“Tonight is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ for all you do and recognizing all of your agencies,” said Joe Martin, the event’s emcee and Knights of Columbus lector.

The event occurred just days after the memorial service for Florida Highway Patrol trooper Zachary Fink, who was killed in the line of duty in Fort Pierce, and a tragic Minnesota incident where three first responders lost their lives.

Part of the ceremony is to recognize a member from each one, chosen by their leadership, as their Hero of the Year. After receiving their awards, the recipients said little to no words— instead allowing the work they do to speak for them.

The award recipients were:

Osceola County Sheriff’s Office: Detective Ruth Marrero. In July she investigated a subject who was shared child sexual abuse material, and was able to make an arrest and get the suspect brought up on federal charges and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. To date, it’s the case with the most child sexual abuse material recovered in both Osceola County and the Ninth District Circuit Court.

Osceola County Corrections: Officer Juan Rodriguez. While working in one of the Corrections facilities high-risk housing units which houses the most violent inmates, one of Rodriguez’s fellow female employees was having a medical episode, and when noticing she was in distress, Rodriguez jumped into action.

“I did what I was trained to do. I was happy to be there to save her life,” Rodriguez reportedly told his presenting supervisor, who also noted the female co-worker now has a newborn baby.

Kissimmee Police Department: Corporal Mario Cardenas. Despite currently serving as a reservist in the U.S. Army, Cardenas “continues to show a tenacious work ethic and exemplary investigative skills,” KPD Deputy Chief Wilson Munoz said. He investigates retail crime, receives numerous crimes from retail outlets and identifies subjects to combat theft, and obtained arrest warrants of 23 individuals, who are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in product theft, in a oneyear span. Kissimmee Fire Department: Engineer Logan Broberg. Honored for “Leadership, mentorship and dedication to excellence,” Deputy Fire Chief Joe Leoni said. Broberg was noted for excellence in training and mentoring 16 recruits, moving to day shift to “take ownership of their training” for four weeks. “He’s an example of what a true firefighter embodies,” Leoni. “When you have a passion for this, it’s not a career, it’s a calling.” Broberg is in line for promotion to Lieutenant.

St. Cloud Police Department: Detective Thomas Fertic. Display unwavering commitment to excellence integrity and community service, it has, “Distinguished him as an exemplary member of the St. Cloud Police Department,” Chief Doug Goerke said. Through work in a number of units, he kept criminal cases while working those community units. Fertic is also a SWAT team member and serves on its sniper element, requiring 24-hour oncall status. “He reflects the highest standards of law enforcement,” Georke said. “Through his service he has fostered a stronger, more trusting relationship between the community and the St. Cloud Police Department.”

St. Cloud Fire Department: Paramedic/ firefighter Jaycius Golding. Builds props for training and cadet programs and building tables for departments on his own time. He also utilizes his own time and tools to provide firefighter shields. He was noted for a medical call, when the mother of a child that needed to be airlifted didn’t have closed-toed shoes on to be able to ride with her child, Golding literally offered the shoes off her feet so she could join her child.

Florida Highway Patrol: Trooper Edison Chavez. In November 2023, Chavez, as a recruit trooper, observed a crash and approached a driver in distress, and provided CPR and Narcan. And, in December, Chavez observed and pursued a vehicle that sped through a Simpson Road construction site, then attempted to flee against traffic. Chavez pursued and finally intercepted the car, leading to an arrest, while maintaining the safety of surrounding drivers.

The Knights of Columbus will hold a benefit Casino Night for its Benevolent Fund to support first responders and their families on April 27.