PBSC first responder alumni recognized by the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce

[caption id="attachment_26377" align="alignright" width="294"] From left: Provost and Dean Van Williams, Ed.D., Deputy Sheriff Jayson Robbins; and Associate Dean Germany Dixon, Ed.D.[/caption] Two Palm Beach State College alumni were recognized at the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce during their annual Boynton Beach First Responders Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 25, in Boynton Beach. The event, which included PBSC's Basic Law Enforcement Color Guard, recognized the extraordinary service, courage and commitment of first responders including the City of Boynton Beach Police, Boynton Beach Fire Rescue, Palm Beach County Sheriff Office and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Freddie Ramirez, who is a current PBSC adjunct instructor, was given the Paramedic of the Year Award and Deputy Sheriff Jayson Robbins was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Ramirez is a 2021 graduate of PBSC's Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Program. Robbins graduated from PBSC's Basic Law Enforcement Academy in 2023. "We are incredibly proud of Freddy and Jayson," said PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D. "Their achievements reflect the excellence of our programs, and we applaud them for their commitment to protect and serve our community." [caption id="attachment_26374" align="alignleft" width="481"] From left: Jack Badalamenti, paramedic student/Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue; Karsen Andrews, paramedic student/Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, Dr. Germany Dixon, associate dean of Public Safety; Kyle Ilhardt, EMS Program paramedic psychomotor coordinator; Van Williams, provost, and dean; and Innes MacLeod, paramedic student/Boynton Beach Fire Rescue.[/caption] Other award winners are: Detective Sean Steele, Police Officer of the Year; Captain John Prince, Parmedic and Firefighter of the Year; and Darren Clark, Firefighter of the Year. The Boca Raton/Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic business organization committed to fostering economic growth, professional development, and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships, impactful programming, and a strong advocacy presence, the Chamber serves as a unifying voice for businesses of all sizes. With a focus on innovation, leadership, and collaboration, the Chamber works to enhance the region's vitality and create meaningful opportunities for its members and the broader community.