By Anita Todd

HAINES CITY – This year, Sasha Estevez hosted the first “Our Everyday Heroes, Honoring Our First Responders” ceremony. She has a personal connection to their work, having received help from first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City.

Her hope is to make the event an annual, city-wide tradition that brings the community together in celebration of those who serve.

“The event is something I’ve always wanted to do for them,” Estevez said. “They make us feel safe every day, so this is nothing compared to what they do for us.”

Estevez is no stranger to organizing community events. When she set out to plan this one, it kept growing. Her first step was personally visiting every fire station and police department in the area to invite them to attend.

First responders were offered complimentary haircuts at her husband’s barber shop, RBI-Barber. She also provided food and drinks for all attendees. Wanting to add more, Estevez invited the Haines City High School choir to perform the National Anthem. Principal Brad Tarver not only agreed but also arranged for the school’s ROTC to present the colors.

She rented 200 chairs and asked that the Winn-Dixie parking lot be closed, creating space for fire trucks and police cars.

Seeking further community involvement, Estevez reached out to the administration of Eastside Elementary School, where students wrote inspiring messages about why they wanted to become first responders. Those notes were given to the first responders at the event.

City Hall also gave its support. Mayor Morris West spoke during the ceremony, which drew approximately 200 attendees.

West said, “I served the Thin Blue Line for more than 20 years. I worked hand in hand with fire, police, EMS and I know that when we put on the uniforms every day it could be our last day. On 9-11, there were so many firefighters and police officers who lost their lives that day. We always say, ‘we run in when they run out,’” he said. “We are going to do something every year in the City of Haines City. We don’t want this day to go unrecognized.”

Haines City Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Kahles also spoke at the ceremony, “I read somewhere that the best way to remember those from 9-11 is to be who we were on Sept. 12.”

Afterward, Estevez distributed gift bags to first responders containing a custom-designed tumbler, lapel pin, and “Shift Saver” bags filled with late-night essentials.

On Sept. 18, Estevez addressed the City Commission about the event. While specific plans are still in the works, commissioners made clear the City is eager to support her vision of an annual first responder celebration.

Her calendar remains full. Next up is a Veterans Day event. In the past, Estevez created the Latin Festival in 2013, and this year she helped with Back-to-School efforts by offering services for teachers and haircut vouchers for students. She and her husband, Argenis Diaz, also organize community giveaways for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and other occasions.

One of the most moving moments of the First Responders Ceremony came with the Bell of Honor. Estevez rang it four times for the four planes on 9/11, twice for each fallen tower, and eight more times in tribute to eight local fallen heroes.

To watch the event, visit YouTube and search “Honoring 9/11 & Polk County’s Fallen Heroes – Bell of Honor Ceremony.”