The 2020 Distinguished Public Service Awards - Update

The Greater Naples Chamber, in coordination with the Distinguished Public Service Awards selection committee, honors Collier County’s community heroes for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In lieu of an in-person event, the plaque commemorating DPSA recipients, located at the Collier County Emergency Operations Center, will be updated to honor “our community heroes who worked tirelessly to keep Collier County residents, visitors and businesses safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity each year to honor the brave men and women who work every day to ensure Collier County is the safest place to live, work and play,” said Michael Dalby, the president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber.

“It was with that in mind that we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Distinguished Public Service Awards until we can gather again safely,” continued Dalby. “While we are disappointed that we cannot come together in October to celebrate the first responders and frontline workers who have helped our community through this difficult year, we believe the best way to support their work is by doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. We look forward to celebrating their vast achievements as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Established in 2003, the Distinguished Public Service Awards recognize Collier County first responders—fire safety, emergency services and law enforcement personnel—for their contributions to the well-being of the community.

“It is important that we recognize all those in our community who answered the call to action in these unprecedented times. From first responders to front line workers, and everyone in between, we thank you for your service” said Reg Buxton, chairman of the Distinguished Public Service selection committee. “We look forward to a time when we can once again gather to celebrate the law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency service personnel.”