Bucks County Hometown Heroes Honored At PA 1st District Celebration

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA – In a celebration of community service and spirit, Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) hosted his inaugural Hometown Heroes Celebration. The event united exceptional individuals from across Pennsylvania’s First District in honor of their selfless dedication and tireless efforts that have transformed countless lives and enriched both the PA-1 community and the nation.

Every week, Fitzpatrick shares the stories of exceptional individuals from across the district who go above and beyond to serve others. This inaugural celebration builds on this tradition by bringing together honorees to recognize their collective impact in an evening that celebrated the
core values of service, character, compassion, and community.

Throughout the evening at the Bucks County Community College, stories of courage and kindness took center stage — of veterans who fought to preserve freedom, educators unlocking the potential of young minds, first responders rushing toward danger, and volunteers who give without hesitation. From young leaders to lifelong public servants, the evening demonstrated that anyone, at any stage of life, has the power to make a difference.

Congressman Fitzpatrick and Hometown Hero, Joe D’Emidio, a 100-year-old WW II D-Day veteran and pillar of the Bristol Borough community.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to witness many remarkable moments and meet extraordinary people from all walks of life," said Fitzpatrick. "But few things have moved me as deeply, or filled me with as much honor and inspiration, as the opportunity to share the remarkable stories of the incredible individuals and organizations from our Hometown, who have brought about meaningful change to our community and country."

He continued, “Though the paths you have each walked are different, the spirit you share is the same. You understand true strength isn’t found in standing above others, but rather standing beside them, hands outstretched. You’ve given our community more than your time, energy, and talents — you’ve given us inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, you have given us faith. Faith that the best of who we are as neighbors, friends, and Americans—still endures.”

From left: Congressman Fitzpatrick with Hometown Heroes: Ellen Saracini, Advocate for Aviation Safety; Ed Preston, Vietnam Veteran Memorial & Veteran Advocate; and Linda Salley, President of the African American Museum of Bucks County.

As part of the tribute, every honoree was presented with a copy of their personal story entered into the United States Congressional Record, ensuring that their contributions are immortalized in the nation’s history. This prestigious honor not only recognizes their remarkable impact but also illustrates how individual acts of courage and compassion shape the essence of the nation.

Congressman Fitzpatrick with Hometown Heroes: Layla Leuthy Peck, the St. Andrew student from Newtown who organized a surprise celebration for a local WWII Veteran, and Valerie Hamilton, Founder & Executive Director of Children of God.

“I loved every part of the Hometown Heroes night," said 7-year-old Hometown Hero Layla Peck, a student at St. Andrew School in Newtown who organized a surprise celebration for a local World War II veteran. "It made me feel so special being honored.”

Her grandmother, Nancy Webster, added, “Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has inspired Layla into public service and has made her realize the importance of doing good deeds. The Hometown Heroes event shows the Congressman recognizes the importance of highlighting the everyday people who go out of their way to make a difference in the lives of others — he’s exceptional. You could feel the gratitude felt in the audience by not just the honorees but also from the families, especially the families of the honorees who have passed. We are extremely thankful he is our Congressman.”

Congressman Fitzpatrick with Hometown Heroes: The Life-Saving Champions of the Bucks County Dragon Buck Senior Women’s A Racing Team.

“It was such an honor to be in a room with so many extraordinary courageous individuals. It warms my heart to know our names will be kept in the Congressional Record, leaving an indelible mark that my team and I were here and performed a good deed," said Christy Murphy of the Bucks County Dragon Boat Senior A Women’s Team. "In a time that seems to be full of extreme opinions in politics causing a high emotional environment that feels almost disruptive, it was wonderful to celebrate something good, nurturing, and whole. I applaud Congressman Fitzpatrick for recognizing individuals performing good deeds and for rewarding them and us,”

Congressman Fitzpatrick with Hometown Heroes: Joseph Fleur III, funeral director and veterans advocate, and Ravi and Reema Kalidindi, parents of Heera Kalidindi, rising community leader and cadet at West Point.

Remarking on the significance of the event, honoree Joseph Fleur III, a Bucks County funeral director and veterans advocate, said, “As I looked around the reception, I was truly struck by how many heroes there are among us. I was honored and humbled to be considered one of them. It was a true honor — thank you, Congressman Fitzpatrick.”

On being recognized as a Hometown Hero, Valerie Hamilton, founder and director of Children of God Educational Services, said, “Being acknowledged by Congressman Fitzpatrick for my community service was truly a heartwarming surprise, as I'm simply paying forward the support and opportunities my community has so generously given me.”

Congressman Fitzpatrick with Hometown Heroes: Elizabeth Todderud, a Newtown resident who handcrafted 300 baby blankets for local expecting military families at Camp Lejeune, and Doylestown resident Jeff Bekos, of One Dad’s Mission.

Doylestown dad Jeff Bekos cycled 4,600 miles across the country from California to Philadelphia to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"This event and recognition from Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick was an unforgettable honor," said Bekos. "This recognition is not just for me, but for my incredible family Liz, Brenden, and Hailey, all the friends, colleagues and our community who have supported this journey. The beginnings of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and our 254 days living there while our daughter was fighting for her life at CHOP are a testament to the compassion and support that communities can provide.”

Congressman Fitzpatrick with Hometown Heroes: Christina Swain, Kelly Kemmerer, Robin Kemmerer, Missy Kitzmiller, and Helen Irvine, the co-founders of the Levittown-Langhorne-based nonprofit, “The Queen Bees”.

“This evening was truly inspiring! So many people in our community do so much for others. It was heartwarming, and I was absolutely honored to be a part of it," Christina Swain, a founding member of The Queen Bees.

Congressman Fitzpatrick with Hometown Heroes: Plumstead Township Police Chief David Mettin (Ret.); Carla Reynolds, community leader and founder of The Boots on the Ground Foundation; and Bill Ridler, Langhorne Special Olympic Champion.

As Fitzpatrick noted, the honorees' legacy will inspire others to lead with compassion and courage, proving that heroes are found not in grand gestures but in the everyday moments that shape our world.

As the evening drew to a close, Fitzpatrick offered his deepest gratitude. “While you may not always see the full impact of what you do, know this: Your actions matter. Your service matters. And long after tonight, your story will continue to inspire others to rise, to serve, and to believe in the power of kindness and community. Because of you, our community and our country is, and will forever be, a better place.”

(Contributed)