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Naples, FL – Oct 10, 2018 – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the 2018 Distinguished Public Service Awards (DPSA) winners. Established in 2003, the Distinguished Public Service Awards honor the outstanding contribution of an individual or team in their respective public service profession and to the well-being of Collier County. The categories include Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management Services, Fire Safety and Law Enforcement. The winners of this year’s Distinguished Public Service Awards were presented on Oct. 10 at the Hilton Naples. The 2018 DPSA award recipients are as follows: Fire Safety: Lieutenant/Paramedic Kevin Nelmes Serving the community for more than 20 years, Lt. Kevin Nelmes has demonstrated selfless professional service. His experience with private security, the intelligence community, and his specialization with sensitive missions makes him a key player in our public service community. Over the years he has shared his knowledge by teaching courses at Hodges University, the Special Operations Medical Association and Urban Shield. He is a dedicated advocate and agent for change in anti-human trafficking efforts abroad and has proven to go above and beyond his duties as a first responder. Law Enforcement: Lieutenant Leslie Weidenhammer A longtime public servant in every aspect of the word, Lt. Leslie Weidenhammer serves in the human resources division for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office as coordinator of the Mental Health Unit. Additionally, she serves as a crisis intervention team trainer, a board member for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and is a peer support provider to individuals with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems. Lt. Weidenhammer has impacted the community for the better and continues to do so through her leadership, compassion and dedication in the field of mental health. Emergency Medical Services: EMS Battalion Chief Michele Williamson Providing over 20 years of service in her field, Battalion Chief Michele Williamson has contributed endless amounts of service to her community. Starting as a paramedic, she soon moved up to lieutenant, field training officer, and battalion chief. Throughout her days of service, she created a paramedic program with Hodges University and teaches specialized skills such as CPR and ACLS. Battalion Chief Michele Williamson continues to touch many lives with her leadership, dedication, skills and knowledge of paramedicine. Emergency Management Services: Dan Summers, director, Bureau of Emergency Services Division Dan Summers is an influential leader and responder within the community. Leading the Collier County’s emergency operations centers, he plays a key role in responding to disasters affecting Collier County including recovery from Hurricane Charley, Wilma, and most notably, Irma. During Hurricane Irma, he seamlessly addressed community issues and priorities insuring well-stocked food and water distribution points, coordinating shelters with other partners and brought in special teams to support all governments of Collier County. Mr. Summers keeps all aspects of the county’s emergency operations programs ready 24/7, 365 days a year. His dedication, collaboration and extensive knowledge are valuable resources to our community of Collier County. Thank you to our sponsors Naples Daily News, ArgoTrak, Inc., Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., First Florida Integrity Bank, 100 Club of Collier County, Life in Naples, Florida Weekly and Gulfshore Life. ### About The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization of more than 1,200 active members that works to strengthen the local economy and promote the business community. The Chamber accomplishes this through public policy and business advocacy, leadership programs, executive business forums and sessions, and enhanced member benefits and services. The Chamber is dedicated to ensuring that Naples remains the best place in America to live, work, and visit. For more information, call (239) 262-6376 or visit www.napleschamber.org. ¬