Optimist Club recognizes area law enforcement officers and first responders

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The Optimist Club of Maricopa held their annual Respect for Law awards ceremony Saturday morning.

Law enforcement officers from Maricopa, Ak-Chin, Gila River, Florence and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department substation gathered in the multi-purpose room of Maricopa Elementary School to be honored for their hard work and dedication to the community.

“It is because of you that we enjoy peace in our town,” guest speaker Khalil Sultan said.

Sultan also said it takes a brave person to put their life on the line for others on a daily basis.
“Thank God you are brave enough to be there when we need you,” Sultan said.

Members of the police and fire departments present were awarded with a plaque and gifts for their entire departments to share.

“It was a great event,” Grace Gomez, the club vice president said. “It’s wonderful to see so many people come out to honor our law enforcement.”

During the ceremony a special award was presented to two members of the Southwest Ambulance Department. Justin Henzel and Matt Moore responded to a 911 call to help one of the Optimist Club’s founders Millie Fields – and saved her life, twice. Before Fields passed away, she asked Gomez to honor them for their tremendous efforts.

The Optimist Club primarily focuses on helping children in the community. The club in Maricopa began in 1984 and has been holding events and fundraisers to help Maricopa’s children in need.

“I urge everyone to join and help in any way they can,” Gomez said.

Besides the Respect for the Law awards ceremony, the Optimist Club holds a golf tournament to raise money for Christmas shopping sprees, bike safety lessons, Easter activities and more.