PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida — Local police and fire-rescue professionals were recognized for lifesaving actions and community service during the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce Annual Valor & Community Service Awards, according to Florida Weekly.

The June 29 report said the event honored public-safety professionals whose work has made a lasting impact across the Palm Beach North region.

Riviera Beach officers received the Valor Award

Florida Weekly reported that the event’s highest honor, the Valor Award, was presented to Riviera Beach Police Officers Joshua Wilson and Elizabeth Elliott.

According to the report, Elliott was recognized for her actions during an April residential fire. Florida Weekly said she entered a smoke-filled home after reports that an elderly woman might still be trapped inside, and that Elliott and fellow responders searched the residence to make sure no one remained inside.

Other police and fire-rescue honorees

The awards also recognized Palm Beach Gardens Police Officer Gary Bitz for helping connect residents with mental-health resources and Jupiter Police Officer Philip Gelina for years of mentoring local youth and building community relationships, according to the report.

Florida Weekly also listed Tequesta Fire Rescue Lieutenant Andre Dodd among those honored, citing his dedication to serving residents beyond the call of duty.

“These stories represent the very best of public service,” Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Noel Martinez told Florida Weekly. “Whether it’s running toward danger, supporting someone through a mental health crisis, or investing in the next generation, these individuals embody selflessness, courage, and an unwavering commitment to our community.”

For Support Law Enforcement readers, the ceremony is a reminder that public-safety work is not one single lane. It can mean searching a smoke-filled home, mentoring young people, connecting someone to help during a mental-health crisis, or showing up for residents long before the story makes a headline.

Sources reviewed

Editorial note: ThinBlueNews relied on source-backed local reporting, used a real ceremony photo with attribution, and avoided adding unverified active-case details. No fake AI rescue imagery, paid promotion, DMs or outbound messages were used.