It was a packed house last Thursday night at the 2023 Heroes Banquet and we’re grateful for everyone who helped us honor NM heroes!
New Mexicans from across the state convened at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to honor first responders, veterans, and other community advocates doing great things for the people of our state. NMBC was honored to the have been joined by the Ferguson family to honor the life and service of Fallen First Responder, Officer Anthony Ferguson. International Protective Service (IPS) CEO, Aaron Jones, helped with the memorial award to the Ferguson Family.
NMBC was privileged to recognize all the active duty military, veterans, and public safety heroes in attendance with a commemorative American star, acknowledging the bravery, loyalty and service to our country of these men and women.
This year’s Hero awards were also presented to:
- Veteran of the Year: Ken O’Keefe, U.S. Navy Veteran.
- Public Safety Heroes: Albuquerque Police Department- Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, Officer Alex Castellano, and Ret. Officer Kent Parsons.
- Public Safety Heroes: Farmington Police Department- Sgt. Rachel Discenza-Smith and Officer Ben Jemmett.
- Community Advocate Heroes: Sarah Smith, New Mexico Freedoms Alliance and Juan Garcia, Coalition of Conservatives in Action.
- Business Hero: Jeremy Gay, Advocate Law Center, P.A.
The ceremony was even better because of our Co-Masters of Ceremony: Nancy Laflin, a former KOAT-7 news anchor and Jim Williams of the ABQ Connect radio show. Our keynote speaker Jeremy Gay, a former Judge Advocate for the US Marines, reminded the audience that anyone can be a hero, what it takes to be a hero, and the fact that it’s these heroes who shield the rest of us from the evil that’s in the world. Thank you to all of those involved in our event program!
Lastly, we also were able to give back to the community with a donation to the 100 Club and continuing outreach through Rebound New Mexico.
Please buy local and support these incredible banquet sponsors:
Executive Sponsor: International Protective Service (IPS)
- Gold Sponsors: Vulcan Materials Co., US Eagle Federal Credit Union, Mark Krueger- Farm Bureau Financial Services, Rio Grande Credit Union, and Summit Electric Supply.
- Silver Sponsors: IPANM, Clinger Pro Roofing, BMO Bank, PNM, EXHIB-IT!, Advertising Ideas, Leo Public Safety Research, LLC, Blake’s Lotaburger, Road Runner Waste Services, and Bank of Albuquerque.
- Bronze Sponsors: Greetings Digital Print & Mail, EverGuard Roofing & Solar, La Posta de Mesilla, New Mexico Property Tax Inc., Tony Ilfeld- Coldwell Banker, Del Norte Credit Union, Construction Seminars, and Cassandra Morrison- Coldwell Banker.
Thank you to everyone who attended & supported our Heroes!