Coral Springs Coconut Creek Chamber announces 2026 Heroes Among Us award recipients to honor local first responders and community leaders
Coral Springs, Florida – The Coral Springs Coconut Creek community is preparing to celebrate the courage, dedication, and selfless service of its local heroes as the 2026 Heroes Among Us Awards approach. The annual recognition, presented by the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber, highlights individuals whose efforts have had a meaningful impact across both cities, shining a spotlight on first responders, public servants, and committed community members.
Recipients of this year’s awards represent a wide range of service areas, demonstrating the many ways people contribute to the safety, well-being, and vitality of their communities. Among those being honored is Coral Springs Police Officer William Baron, who, along with Coconut Creek Detective Cheri Stabile, will receive the First Responder Excellence Award. Both officers are recognized for their professionalism, unwavering dedication, and daily commitment to keeping residents safe. Their work, city leaders note, goes beyond routine duty, reflecting a steadfast devotion to public service that inspires colleagues and citizens alike.
The Life-Saving Award will go to three officers whose courageous actions directly protected lives within the community. Coral Springs Police Officers Xavier Reinoso and Jessica Murphy, along with Coconut Creek Police Officer Ethan Rodriguez, are being recognized for their quick thinking and decisive response in critical situations where immediate action made the difference between life and death. Their efforts underscore the essential role first responders play in maintaining public safety, often under intense pressure and with little notice.
The ceremony will also honor individuals who contribute to the community in ways that are less visible but equally impactful. Coral Springs resident Ed Zito will receive the Military & Veterans Service Award for his ongoing dedication and advocacy on behalf of veterans. Zito’s work supports programs that improve the lives of those who have served in the armed forces, helping to ensure they receive recognition, resources, and opportunities for continued engagement in civic life.
Meanwhile, the Public Works and Utilities Hero Award will recognize Brandon Pinkney and Ernest Edmond of Coconut Creek, and Glen Gordon of Coral Springs. These honorees work behind the scenes to maintain essential services, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of water, electricity, and city infrastructure. Their contributions often go unnoticed by the public, yet their efforts are critical to keeping the day-to-day life of the community running smoothly.
All award recipients will be celebrated during the Honoring Our Heroes Among Us Breakfast, scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. The event will be held at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, providing a venue where community leaders, colleagues, and residents can come together to recognize these exceptional individuals.
The Heroes Among Us Awards are more than a ceremony; they are a moment for Coral Springs and Coconut Creek to acknowledge those who embody courage, commitment, and selfless service. By highlighting the achievements of first responders, public servants, and community advocates, the Chamber hopes to inspire others to contribute to the community and uphold the spirit of service that makes the area a safer and stronger place to live.
This year’s recipients, from life-saving officers to dedicated public works professionals and veterans advocates, serve as a reminder that heroism comes in many forms and that every act of service strengthens the fabric of the community. The upcoming breakfast promises to be a heartfelt tribute to their efforts and a celebration of the people who quietly make a lasting difference in Coral Springs and Coconut Creek.
