Breakfast With Our Bravest
Every year the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation hosts a Breakfast event dedicated to recognizing extraordinary members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and significant contributors to the Department and Foundation's success. The Breakfast with Our Bravest event has become the Foundation's largest annual fundraiser bringing together community, civic leaders, and corporate partners to honor awardees.
On May 1, 2025, we gathered to honor Atlanta’s Bravest — and thanks to your support, we made it a morning to remember. From powerful stories to heartfelt awards, Breakfast with Our Bravest 2025 highlighted the heroes who show up for us every day.
The Awards
We proudly celebrate this year’s winners for their outstanding service and dedication. These well-deserved honors reflect the impact you've made in our community. Thank you for your bravery, commitment, and excellence.
Firefighter of the Year Award
Firefighter, or Sergeant, with outstanding spirit, service and achievement
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Winner: Sergeant Joseph Simon
Station of the Year Award
Recognize outstanding effort by all shifts at a single fire station and promotes the vision of AFRD
Winner: Station 3
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Team Spirit Award
Exemplary achievement by any battalion, section, unit, company or group
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Winner: Station 10, B Shift
Medal of Valor
Act(s) of heroism that places the recipient in a life-threatening situation
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Winners:
Captain Justin Turner, Lieutenant Bryan Byers, Sergeant Randy Starosta
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Alliance Award
Recognizes ally within department who actively support and encourage the development of women, LGBTQ and Hispanic
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Winner: Public Safety Headquarters "Try Athletes"
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Unit Citations Award
Meritorious performance by a company for operations that are difficult and challenging during emergency situations
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Civilian Employee of the Year
Outstanding work, spirit and contributions by a non-sworn employee
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Winner: Angela Bowers
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Citizen Award of Honor
Outstanding act by a private citizen, bravery or service to AFRD
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Winner: Nicole K. Martinez
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Kaplan Award
Recognizes a significant contribution to the community through the provision of emergency medical services
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Winner: Lieutenant Corey Slaughter
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Officer of the Year Award
Lieutenant or Captain with outstanding spirit, service and achievement
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Winner: Lieutenant Alex Hofstadter
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Award of Merit
Act(s) of heroism or bravery involving great personal risk
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Winners:
Lieutenant Joseph Shoemaker, Sergeant Robert Tucker, Firefighter Kimani Heath, Firefighter Oscar Reyes
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Fire Chief's Award
Special Distinction from the Office of the Fire Chief​
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Winners:
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AFRD Accreditation Team
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Lieutenant Xarrius Hines
Lieutenant Rayshawn Allen
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP: CHIEF SPONSORS
PREMIERE SPONSORS
FRONTLINE HERO SPONSORS
FIRST RESPONDERS SPONSORS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SPONSORS
TABLE HOST
