Memorial in honor of first responders unveiled in Charlotte County park

PORT CHARLOTTE

A new monument was erected in honor of all those who worked on the front lines. The First Responders Memorial shines in all its glory at Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte.

Ordinary people do extraordinary things. That’s how many people describe first responders. But how would first responders describe themselves? They are just doing their job.

“We get a lot of people telling us how much they appreciate our service. And we don’t do it for that. But it’s nice to hear it from time to time. So this is like I said, a great honor,” said Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Davis.

They don’t do it for recognition, but that’s exactly what they got on Wednesday.

First responders from agencies across Charlotte County were honored in a new memorial at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park.

COVID-19 has tested our police officers, sheriffs, firefighters and paramedics over the past few years.

Davis said the memorial could not have come at a more pleasant time. “There are times like this morning. A few of us were on the scene there and we didn’t have time to throw in any masks and things like that. So you don’t really know what you’re getting into. But we will do the job regardless. “

“There’s a lot of stressors, a lot of mental health that we’re looking at,” said Bryan Carr, Charlotte County Deputy Superintendent of Fire & EMS.

With this memorial placing them on the same pedestal as those who gave their lives fighting for our country, WINK News asked them what kind of weight.

“It’s hard to stand on the same pedestal, I really don’t feel that way at all. I, them, they are the ones who keep our country free,” Davis said.

Sheriff Davis may not feel the same way, but Charlotte County clearly does. The memorials are part of a larger effort to upgrade and improve the entire park in Port Charlotte.

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