Awards

Public Servants of the Year 2022

Law Enforcement

Greater Pine Island VFW Post #4353 and Commander Scott Zilch were proud to announce this year’s winners of the coveted Veterans of Foreign Wars Public Servant Awards for Lee County Sheriff’s Department Gulf District for 2022. Three Deputies were selected for their professional work ethic and selfless dedication to duty which are in keeping with the high standards of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the VFW. These members worked 14–16-hour days for three weeks post storm without a day off overseeing all operations associated with the post storm efforts. They secured vehicles from private citizens and resources from anywhere they could to complete our mission of life safety and recovery efforts. The logistics, personnel accountability, resource allocation, and safety of the public and other members of the Sheriff’s Office were coordinated and controlled by these three members. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office along with outside Law Enforcement agencies had upwards of 130 members working at any given time in the greater Pine Island area, all of which was managed by the awardees. Sergeant William Rounsifer, Corporal Jay Brett, and Sergeant David Drum were presented with a plaque and honored during the Mexican Lunch Fiesta at the VFW on Jan 19, 2023. They are listed left to right as above

Sergeant William Rounsifer, Corporal Jay Brett, Sergeant David Drum

Firefighter/Paramedic Frank Vilchez, Firefighter/EMT Zachary Robertson and Firefighter/EMT Brittni Kelbe

Public Servants of the Year 2022

Firefighters

Greater Pine Island VFW Post #4353 and Commander Scott Zilch were proud to announce this year’s winners of the coveted Veterans of Foreign Wars Public Servant Awards for Matlacha Pine Island Fire District for 2022.

Three Firefighters were selected for their tireless efforts and outstanding dedication to Matlacha Pine Island Community which are in keeping with the high standards of the MPIFD and the VFW. During the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the awardees exhibited exemplary actions which ensured that all the needs were met from coordinating EMS transport to off island locations, helping to allocate resources to the needs and working nonstop to cover all the possible events that occurred. Firefighter/Paramedic Frank Vilchez, Firefighter/EMT Zachary Robertson and Firefighter/EMT Brittni Kelbe were presented with a plaque and honored during the Mexican Lunch Fiesta at the VFW on Jan 19, 2023.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 2021

Corporal Jay Brett

Thank you for your service and everything you continue to do for the community.


Pictured from left to right:
Captain Brian Jakacki, Lieutenant Dan Leffin, Corporal Jay Brett, VFW Commander Tom Ferguson, Sergeant Bill Rounsifer

Firefighter of the Year 2021

Firefighter Tanner Peer

Congratulations to Firefighter Tanner Peer!

Firefighter Peer was awarded the VFW Public Service award from the Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353. He is an outstanding firefighter and leads by example. He strives to not only serve the community to the best of his abilities, but also works to better himself as a professional through continued education. He makes it clear through his words and actions that he wants to make a difference within the community.

We’re so proud of you, Firefighter Peer!

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