Maitland City Talk

Sept. 11 — A week of remembrance and celebration

Sept. 11, 2001 was a moment in history where our world as we knew it changed forever. On that day, more than 3,000 people lost their lives, and so it is fitting that we not only observe a moment of silence in remembrance, but to, just as importantly, celebrate our community’s ability to be able to respond to any emergency and protect every resident.

Maitland’s dedicated law enforcement officers put themselves at risk every day of the year. When a resident calls 911, they are normally there in less time than it takes you to brush your teeth. Every year, nearly 30,000 calls are responded to by our police, with more than 600 arrests. Keeping us safe is their primary mission, and they do it without expectation of reward or recognition.

Maitland’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team responds to thousands of calls each year, many are motor-vehicle related, but, by far, the vast majority are EMS related. Nate Winters, currently 17 years old, was in a boating accident more than two years ago, and is alive today because of the experience and quick action of our emergency services team.

Nate has since gone on to achieve more in high school than most, and has become a national inspiration with articles in Sports Illustrated, television spots on ESPN, and has even visited with the pope!

Many events will take place this weekend and, on Friday, Maitland’s first responders will be recognized for their heroism in their quick action saving Nate Winter’s life. A Patriot Day breakfast, sponsored by the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, will honor the American heroes of law enforcement, fire and EMS who go above and beyond the call of duty.

In Maitland, the Central Florida Boy Scouts will be active this weekend as they pay tribute to our first responders. They will honor our police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel with a tribute Saturday morning, beginning at 8:15 a.m. at the Edward Doyle Police Headquarters facility. Please feel free to join them as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance at 8:46 a.m.

And finally, on Saturday, Asbury United Methodist Church will honor our police, fire and EMS personnel with their fourth annual ‘Honor the Badge’ celebration. Pastor Scott Harris, once again, will be the host of an Inspiration Program, which will begin at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served afterwards for family and friends who attend. Please join us for this outstanding event.

We are all very proud of the men and women who protect us every day. Please join your neighbors in celebrating their efforts by attending one or all of the many events taking place this weekend honoring our first responders. Let’s work together to secure a safer future for our children and grandchildren, and don’t forget to say a simple thank you to our men and women in uniform every chance you get.