On September 21, 2018, Lakeside HS and the Lake Elsinore community expressed their heart-felt gratitude to our first responder heroes who protected our families and homes over the course of several weeks during the Holy Fire. First Responders Appreciation Night was both a tribute to these heroes, and a free varsity football game for those in attendance with uniform or ID.
Excerpts from the recognition ceremony are reproduced below:
The Herculean effort and sacrifice of these individuals will never be forgotten by the citizens of Lake Elsinore. We are in debt to you for your sacrifice during this time and appreciate your long and challenging days fighting the Holy Fire. Your pride, professionalism, and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon each of you and were keeping with the highest traditions of your respective organizations.
Please direct your attention to the 50-yard line where Lakeside High School Principal, Dr. Peter Hopping, will conduct our presentation. Joining Dr. Hopping are the following dignitaries;
- Calfire-Lake Elsinore Division Chief Geoff Pemberton
- US Forest Service Division Cleveland National Forest, Trabuco Ranger District Chief Robert Chavez
- McVicker Fire Station #85 Chief Ricardo Ginese
- Riverside County Sheriff Deputy and School Resource Officer for Lakeside High School Brian Hughes
- Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Ehren Enriquez
Dr. Hopping will now present our first responders with banners that have been signed by students, faculty, and staff from Rice Canyon Elementary School, Luiseño School, Withrow Elementary School, and Terra Cotta Middle School. Each banner recognizes the efforts of hundreds of brave professionals and are inscribed as follows:
In appreciation of all the First Responders, firefighters, United States Forestry Service and Supporting resource agencies, County of Riverside, City of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County Office of Education, emergency aid workers, and our community volunteers.
In addition to our dignitaries on the field we would like to take a moment to recognize all first responders in attendance this evening. Will any first responders in our audience please stand and be recognized at this time.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s give all these heroes a round of applause!