The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s recent “Salute to Local Heroes” dinner program honored eight local heroes from law enforcement, fire district, paramedic field and retired senior volunteer patrol. This year’s honorees included: Alex England, emergency medical technician, and Ben Schafer, medic, American Medical Response; Greg McAlpine, deputy chief, and Matthew Kirk, captain, Heartland Fire and Rescue; Eric Knudson, master officer, and Carlos Gaytan, officer, La Mesa Police Department; Mike Boatright and Chuck Jackson, both volunteers, La Mesa Police Department Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol.
“These fine men have made a tremendous difference in our community and the annual dinner allows the entire community to come together and honor them,” said La Mesa Chamber President and CEO Mary England. “They have made a tremendous impact on the lives of others through their heroic acts, years of service, the recovery of stolen vehicles, and numerous volunteer hours through the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol.”
Sponsors for the event on March 8 included: EDCO Disposal Corp. and Virginia Napierskie, presenting sponsors; American Medical Response and San Diego Gas & Electric, diamond sponsors; Barona Resort & Casino, Sycuan Casino and The Kitzman Family, sapphire sponsors; Kirk Paving, Inc., ruby sponsor; Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World, Kanban Signs, Lily’s Manufactured Homes, Mission Federal Credit Union and San Diego Eye Professionals, Garnet Sponsors: A.I.C., Inc., AT&T, California Coast Credit Union, Clemens Real Estate Group, Heritage Inn La Mesa, Himalayan Cuisine, Kappa Surveying & Engineering, Mr. Handyman Serving La Mesa, North Island Credit Union, Storage West, The Hills Local Pub and USE Credit Union, emerald sponsors.