Phoenix Award Ceremony

Published on November 12, 2026

Collier County to Recognize Responders Who Have Successfully Resuscitated Patients in Cardiac Arrest at Phoenix Award Ceremony 

December 4, 2026

11:00 a.m.

Collier County Emergency Medical Services Department (EMS) will hold a Phoenix Award Ceremony on Friday, December 4, at 11:00 a.m., at the Emergency Services Center, 8075 Lely Cultural Parkway, Suite 267, Naples, Florida.

The “Phoenix” was a mythological bird that died and rose renewed from its own ashes. Collier County EMS has adopted the Phoenix Award to recognize persons from Collier County EMS, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and all fire districts within the county who responded to and contributed to the successful resuscitation of a victim of cardiac arrest. These patients were clinically dead, with no heartbeat or breathing, and brought back to life through the highly trained efforts of these responders.

More than 200 emergency response personnel and civilians will be receiving an award for the 28 patients resuscitated over a six-month period. While only five out of 100 people in most large cities survive a cardiac arrest, Collier County far exceeds the national average.

Collier County EMS encourages members of the public to partner with civic and other community groups to learn CPR and basic first aid to provide a support structure to assist the skilled responders of the county to save even more people.

For more information, contact EMS Chief Richard Esquerete at (239) 252-3740.