BY BRIONNA MCCALL
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA –
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural event to honor first responders — the Valor Public Safety Awards — will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bottling Plant Event Center at 614 N. Railroad Ave.
Local first responders will be honored, including the firefighter and police officer of the year and more.
“I would like to encourage people that this is a dress-your-best type of night where you can get dolled up and enjoy a night out with your significant other or friends,” said Opelika Chamber President and CEO Ali Rauch.
“It’s a really unique opportunity for us to not only hear the story of someone who has battled through and survived the other side of the horrific terrorist attack but also give back to the community at the same time.”
The event is free for first responders to attend, thanks to support from sponsors. Sponsors may purchase tickets at opelikachamber.com. Admission is $125 for an individual ticket and $200 to sponsor a first responder and their guest.
The dinner event will feature Keynote Speaker Will Jimeno, a police officer who narrowly survived the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Jimeno, an officer with the Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey, found himself on the edge of death while being trapped for 13 hours in the rubble of the fallen World Trade Center towers.
“Faith, hope and love are the three things that will get you through any tragedy,” Jimeno said.