Coral Springs first responders receive emotional recognition during community chamber breakfast celebration
Coral Springs, Florida – The spirit of service and sacrifice took center stage this week as local heroes were recognized during a morning gathering that celebrated those who routinely step forward in moments of crisis. Community leaders, residents, and public safety officials filled the room for the annual Heroes Among Us ceremony, held during the Wake-Up Breakfast organized by the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber.
The event honored first responders and public servants whose work often happens quietly, far from public attention. Yet on this day, their efforts were brought into full view through personal stories, heartfelt applause, and emotional reflections on what it truly means to serve.
The keynote address came from Frank Babinec, a longtime public servant who once held leadership roles in both city management and fire services. Babinec, who also received the event’s top honor, spoke about the deeper meaning behind heroism — not as a grand title, but as a daily choice.
“Being a hero means seeing what needs to be done and then getting it done. It means choosing to put others before oneself, even when it would be easier to walk away.”
His remarks highlighted the unpredictable realities first responders face each day, from life-threatening emergencies to public scrutiny. He reminded attendees that despite these challenges, responders continue to show up when their community needs them most.
“What makes being a first responder challenging is that you face a wide range of situations when responding to a call. I love the Coral Springs community,” said Babinec.
Among those recognized was William Baron, who received the First Responder Excellence Award. Since joining the department just a few years ago, Baron has developed a reputation for being highly proactive. His work has included numerous arrests tied to violent offenses, drug-related activity, and stolen property investigations, earning him praise for both diligence and commitment.
Two other officers, Xavier Reinoso and Jessica Murphy, were presented with the Life-Saving Award after responding to a particularly severe emergency at a local park. An individual had suffered catastrophic injuries involving heavy machinery, including an amputation and serious wounds. The officers quickly secured the scene, provided urgent medical assistance, and applied tourniquets to stop life-threatening bleeding until an air rescue team could transport the victim for advanced treatment.
Beyond police and emergency services, the ceremony also recognized contributions that strengthen the community in other ways. Ed Zito received the Military and Veterans Service Award for his leadership of the Panther Warriors Hockey Club, which creates a supportive environment for veterans by bringing them together through sport and shared experience.
Meanwhile, Glen Gordon was honored with the Public Works/Utilities Hero Award, reflecting more than two decades of service to the city. As a leader in the streets and stormwater division, his work plays a vital role in maintaining safe roads and reliable infrastructure — efforts that often go unnoticed but are essential to daily life.
Throughout the morning, one theme echoed clearly: heroism is not limited to dramatic rescues or headline-grabbing events. It is also found in steady commitment, teamwork, and the willingness to act when others depend on it. For the community gathered that day, the ceremony served as both recognition and reminder — that behind every safe street, every emergency response, and every recovered life stands someone who chose to step forward.
