On August 19, 2022, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce honored local First Responders during the August Chamber Breakfast. We welcomed nearly 300 local business leaders including 80 First Responders. A surprise recognition from Chief Ramsey of Groveland Police Department and Chief Broadway of Clermont Police Department presented the Citizenship Award to David Colby, President & CEO of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.

During this appreciation breakfast, we celebrated the men and women who put their lives on the line daily for this community. South Lake is grateful for these individuals and their efforts! The Chamber recognized the following agencies who were with us today with a meal and medals.

• Clermont Fire Department
• Clermont Police Department
• Groveland Fire Department
• Groveland Police Department
• Howey in the Hills Police Department
• Lake County Fire Rescue & EMS
• Lake County Sheriff’s Department
• Mascotte Police Department

Congressman Daniel Webster and Commissioner Sean Parks presented the medals to these fine men and women who were then congratulated by Sheriff Peyton Grinnell of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the following Chiefs:

• Chief Charles Broadway – Clermont Police Department
• Chief Kevin Carroll – Groveland Fire Department
• Chief James Dickerson – Lake County Office of Fire Rescue
• Chief David Ezell – Clermont Fire Department
• Chief Eric Pedersen – Mascotte Police Department
• Chief Shawn Ramsey – Groveland Police Department
• Chief Rick Thomas – Howey in the Hills Police Department

We were honored to hear from Former Blue Angels Leader and Clermont resident, Captain Donnie L. Cochran. In 1986, Captain Cochran became the first African American aviator selected to the United States Flight Demonstration Squadron known as the Blue Angels. In 1994, Captain Cochran assumed command of the Blue Angels as the first African American Commander and Flight Leader.

Clinton Pownall, President & CEO of Computer Business Consultants presented the Public Service Award, sponsored by Computer Business Consultants, to Deputy Sheriff Tabbitha Huff of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Sheriff Huff has displayed exceptional leadership and dedication to this community. She continues to impact this generation by developing programs for troubled youth. 

This event would not be possible without the support and participation of the following individuals:

• City Manager Brian Bulthuis – City of Clermont
• Chief Charles Broadway – Clermont Police Department
• Chief David Ezell – Clermont Fire Department
• Captain Donnie L. Cochran
• Congressman Daniel Webster – Congressman Daniel Webster’s Office
• Commissioner Sean Parks – Lake County
• Lake Minneola High School Band
• Pam Jones – Congressman Daniel Webster’s Office
• Chaplain Mike Saxe – Clermont Police Department
• Clermont Performing Arts Event Staff
• South Lake Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors

Thank you to our sponsors whose contributions made our First Responders Appreciation Breakfast possible:

• Main Event Sponsor: Medicare Plans and Access
• Co-Event Sponsor: Project Scholars – Pig on the Pond
• Venue Sponsor: City of Clermont
• Caterer: Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ
• Coffee Station Sponsor: Computer Business Consultants
• Coffee Sponsor: Dunkin Donuts
• Linen Sponsor: Hampton Inn
• Water Sponsor: Addition Financial
• Broadcast Partner: South Lake TV

Our Table and Medal sponsors are businesses that contributed to the meals and awards. These businesses are:

• Anointed Community Services International
• Ash Travel
• Caribbean American Association of Lake County – CAALC
• Clermont Woman’s Club
• Collins Construction & Consulting
• Community Foundation of South Lake
• DASH Sports
• Denise Calderon Certified Public Accountant
• Granny Nannies
• Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation
• Headquarter Honda
• Home Instead
• HouseMaster Home Inspections
• Regina Cruz of Keller Williams Elite Partners III Realty
• Lake-Sumter State College
• Live Well Foundation of South Lake
• Merideth Nagel P.A. & The Legacy Team
• Mobed Realty P.A.
• New Heights Communication
• Optima One Realty
• Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital
• Pat the Dog Pet Boarding & Grooming
• Roe Family Chiropractic
• Stephanie Walter Promotions
• Sugar Mamas Candy Bar
• Visual Harmony Productions