Saturday, November 14, 2026
Lt. A. Esteva and Leo the therapy dog. Leo provides comfort and companionship to Collier County EMS paramedics, EMT’s and personnel after critical incidents or in a time of stress relief. The partnership with Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs is the first local program designed to assist first responders.
Marco Island Fire and Rescue Chief Chris Byrne with the department's Phoenix Awardees: DE Kenneth Stenback, DE Matt Lund, Cpt. Christian Holmes, FF John Chimpoulis, Cpt. Chris Bowden, Cpt. Dustin Beatty. Honorees not pictured: FF/PM Jarrett Brennan and FF/PM Joseph Cid.
First Responders from throughout the county packed the South Regional Library for the Collier County EMS Phoenix Awards.
Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano with MIPD Phoenix Awardees: Officer Andrew Smith, Officer Hans Schmid, Officer Edward Carey received two awards, and Officer Michael Campbell. Honoree not pictured is Sgt. Kyle Kreis.
The Collier County EMS Phoenix Awards recognizes emergency responders who have successfully resuscitated patients.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” Those words were mentioned time and time again by four of the people whose lives were saved due to the extraordinary efforts of Collier County Emergency Responders. They were in attendance to express their heartfelt gratitude at the Collier County EMS Phoenix Awards, held on Thursday, December 14th, at the South Regional Library.
The Collier County EMS Phoenix Award is specifically designated to recognize and honor Collier County EMS, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, all fire districts within the county, law enforcement, and civilians who successfully resuscitated patients experiencing cardiac arrest. The December ceremony awarded more than 120 emergency response personnel who resuscitated 25 patients over a six-month period. As described by the County, “These patients were clinically dead, with no heartbeat or breathing, and brought back to life through the highly trained efforts of these responders.” Collier County exceeds the national survival rate average of five out of 100 people.
Marco Island had its own honorees at the ceremony. From Marco Fire and Rescue Cpt. Chris Bowden, Cpt. Dustin Beatty and Capt. Christian Holmes; Firefighter/Paramedic Jarret Brennan, John Chimpoulis, and Joseph Cid; and Driver/Engineer Matt Lund and Kenneth Stenback. “The ceremony is a very emotional and humbling experience,” said Marco Island Fire and Rescue Chief Chris Byrne. “The Award personalizes the extraordinary effort put forth by all first responders involved in the incident.”
“Our Firefighter Paramedics put forth a tremendous effort to improve the survival rate in our City. Beyond their patient care abilities, they teach CPR courses including how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) because they have witnessed success when bystander CPR and the use of an AED are initiated prior to their arrival,” Byrne said.
The Marco Island Police Department honorees were Sgt. Kyle Kreis and Officers Michael Campbell, Edward Carey, Hans Schmid and Andrew Smith.
“As a department, we are grateful that we are given the opportunity to serve our community and help them in times of need,” said Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano. “The officers recognized by Collier County EMS as Phoenix Award recipients have had a lasting impact on members of our community and we are appreciative of the positive change they have made to this world.”
A sweet ceremony moment occurred when the MIPD award recipients were on stage. The room was quiet as pictures were being taken when suddenly a little voice yelled, “Hi Daddy!” prompting an aww from the entire room. The lucky daddy was MIPD Officer Hans Schmid.
Chief Byrne shared some final thoughts. “While the Phoenix Award recognizes the first responders, all will tell you it is an absolute team effort including the outstanding work of our Doctors and Nurses.”
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