There was no shortage of gratitude in the filled ballroom of the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center as the South Lake Chamber of Commerce honored local first responders during its 5th Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast.
The event brought together community leaders, residents, business owners, firefighters, and law enforcement officers, to recognize the men and women who answer the call when South Lake residents need help most.
Sponsored by Computer Business Consultants and co-sponsored by the Frankie Valente Scholarship Fund, the annual breakfast celebrated the dedication, courage, and commitment demonstrated daily by first responders throughout the region.
The morning began with an invocation by Pastor Dawn Carter, chaplain for the Clermont Police Department. Members of the East Ridge High School Rhythm of the Knights performed the National Anthem, during the Presentation of the Colors setting a patriotic and respectful tone for the event.
South Lake Chamber 2026 Board Chair Donna Kirtland welcomed attendees and thanked the first responders in attendance for their service to the community. She then introduced Clinton Pownall, president and CEO of Computer Business Consultants, who served as master of ceremonies for the awards presentation.
One of the highlights of the morning was the recognition of outstanding public safety professionals from agencies across South Lake County. Honorees included:
- Jason Ness, recognized by the Clermont Fire Department.
- David Mencaralli, recognized by the Clermont Police Department.
- Chris Linzey, recognized by the Groveland Fire Department.
- Alex Eckmann, recognized by the Minneola Fire Department.
- Kendra Knebusch and EMT Carolina Sermini, recognized by the Lake County Office of Fire Rescue.
- Christine Boodhoo, Groveland Police Department Officer of the Year.
- Acting Sgt. Kejuan Monroe, recognized by the Howey-in-the-Hills Police Department.
- Melissa Florence, recognized by the Mascotte Police Department.
In addition to the individual awards, members of participating departments received commemorative challenge coins as a symbol of appreciation for their service and commitment to the communities they protect. Departments represented included the Minneola, Groveland and Clermont fire departments; Lake County Office of Fire Rescue; the Groveland, Howey-in-the-Hills, Mascotte and Clermont police departments; and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Pownall also shared information about Computer Business Consultants and its commitment to helping businesses succeed through managed IT services, cybersecurity protection, cloud solutions, backup and recovery systems, and technology project support.
The event also highlighted the work of the Frankie Valente Scholarship Fund. Representing the organization, Tony Valente shared the story behind the scholarship, established in memory of his son, Frankie Valente, a first responder who died while serving his community.
The scholarship fund assists future EMS and EMT professionals by helping cover tuition costs, textbooks, and essential training supplies. Through those efforts, the organization continues its mission of supporting the next generation of emergency responders.
As the breakfast concluded, the message was clear: while first responders often work behind the scenes and in difficult circumstances, their service does not go unnoticed. The annual appreciation breakfast serves as a reminder that South Lake’s firefighters, deputies, police officers, EMTs, and paramedics are valued not only for what they do, but for the commitment they make every day to keep their neighbors safe.
For one morning, the community paused to say two simple words that carried great meaning: THANK YOU.
