Cape American Legion Names Police Officer, Firefighter, Paramedic of the Year | News, Sports, Jobs

From left: Carl Saitta, chairman, Post 90 Law and Order Committee chairman, Cape Coral Police Department Officer of the Year Jarrett Ridges and Cape Police Chief Anthony Sizemore.

The Cape Coral American Legion Post 90 recently presented its annual First Responder Awards to a police officer, firefighter and paramedic from the Cape Coral Police and Fire Departments for 2024.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was awarded to Officer Jarrett Ridges, who was recognized for his lifetime service as a community police officer; Logan Moore was named Firefighter of the Year for his achievements as a firefighter; and Phillip Heacox was named Paramedic of the Year.

Outpost 90 Commander Keith Berres emphasized that the award recipients not only demonstrated outstanding performance in the line of duty, but also built positive relationships with the community.

“Officer Ridges, Firefighter Moore and Paramedic Heacox are not just recipients of this award, they are pillars of our community” he said. “They selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect and educate our community, yet still find time to volunteer for numerous community service opportunities. As long-time veterans of their departments, we are all incredibly fortunate to have an officer, firefighter and paramedic of their caliber in our community.”

Heacox stated that he was “grateful for the support given to all the first responders and did not seek recognition for his work, but rather cared for the well-being of the community.

From left: Cape Coral Fire Department Chief of Operations James Parker, Paramedic of the Year Phillip Heacox, Post-90 Carl Saitta, Firefighter of the Year Logan Moore and Fire Chief Michael Russell.

Carl Saitta, chairman of the Legion’s Law and Order department, was pleased with the ceremony.

Saitta emphasized, “It is crucial to recognize the dedication of these three first responders and all first responders. Their dedication and commitment are what keep our community safe.”

The ceremony was held at the Cape Coral Police and Fire Department headquarters.

With a current membership of 2.4 million veterans, the American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanness, and youth programs. Legionnaires work to improve their communities through more than 14,000 posts nationwide.

For more information, visit www.legion.org or contact Ted Cark, first deputy commander of Cape Coral Post 90, at 845-527-7948 or [email protected].