Local heroes will be recognized by the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Chamber as 2026 Heroes Among Us award recipients
Coral Springs, Florida – Community leaders and residents will come together next month to honor the individuals whose dedication, bravery, and selfless service have left a lasting impact across Coral Springs and Coconut Creek. The Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber recently announced the recipients of its 2026 Heroes Among Us Awards, a program that highlights first responders, public servants, and community members who have gone above and beyond in their service.
The awards will recognize contributions across a variety of fields, from law enforcement and life-saving actions to public works and veteran advocacy. The Chamber’s announcement emphasized that these awards celebrate not only acts of courage, but also consistent dedication to improving the lives of residents throughout the local community.
Recipients of the First Responder Excellence Award include Coral Springs Police Officer William Baron and Coconut Creek Detective Cheri Stabile. Both officers have been recognized for their professionalism, unwavering commitment, and the role they play in maintaining public safety day after day.
The Life-Saving Award will be presented to three officers: Coral Springs Police Officers Xavier Reinoso and Jessica Murphy, along with Coconut Creek Police Officer Ethan Rodriguez. Each was honored for actions that directly saved lives, demonstrating quick thinking and bravery under pressure. Their interventions have had a profound and tangible impact on members of the community, underscoring the risks and responsibilities these officers carry.
The Military & Veterans Service Award will be presented to Coral Springs resident Ed Zito. Zito’s ongoing service and advocacy on behalf of veterans have made a difference not only for those who have served but also for the wider community. By providing guidance, support, and resources, he continues to highlight the importance of honoring and assisting military personnel and veterans.
In addition, the Public Works/Utilities Hero Award will recognize behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure city operations run smoothly and safely. Recipients include Brandon Pinkney and Ernest Edmond of Coconut Creek, and Glen Gordon of Coral Springs. Their work may not always be visible to the public, but it is critical to keeping essential services operational, safe, and reliable for the community every day.
All award recipients will be formally honored at the Honoring Our Heroes Among Us Breakfast, scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. The event will take place at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, located at 2855A Coral Springs Drive, and is open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate the achievements of the honorees. Advance registration is requested, and RSVPs can be made online.
The Chamber’s Heroes Among Us Awards highlight the spirit of community and the value of recognizing individuals who make a real difference. By shining a spotlight on these local heroes, organizers hope to inspire others to contribute to the community in meaningful ways, whether through public service, acts of courage, or ongoing support for fellow residents.
From first responders saving lives on the streets to public works professionals keeping the city running smoothly, the 2026 Heroes Among Us Awards demonstrate the range of ways individuals can positively impact the lives of others. Coral Springs and Coconut Creek residents will have the opportunity to honor these exceptional contributions while celebrating the resilience, commitment, and compassion that define their community.
The upcoming breakfast promises to be a meaningful occasion, bringing together families, colleagues, and residents to show appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to the service of others, often without expectation of recognition. It is a celebration of courage, selflessness, and the extraordinary impact local heroes can have in shaping safe, thriving communities.
