Seven local heroes to be honored at Fourth Annual First Responders Wall Engraving Ceremony
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The City of El Centro is preparing to honor local heroes this weekend at the Fourth Annual First Responders Wall Engraving Ceremony.
The ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. at First Responders Park, located at 1910 N. Waterman Ave.
Seven first responders representing fire service, law enforcement, and public safety dispatch will have their names permanently engraved on the First Responders Wall this year.
Since the program's inception in 2023, the monument has grown to recognize a total of 44 individuals who have dedicated their careers to protecting communities throughout the Imperial Valley.
El Centro Fire Chief Joseph Bernal highlighted the deep meaning behind the monument, noting the lifetime of dedication it represents.
"Some gave the ultimate sacrifice, and others gave many, many years of their lives," Chief Bernal said. "It's an opportunity for those of us who have worked with them to say a few personal words and a few personal things. Many of the people on this wall, speaking from my own personal experience, they've had an impact on my career."
The 2026 honorees are:
- John A. Jordan – El Centro Police Department
- Damian Valdez – El Centro Police Department
- Heather Johnson – El Centro Police and Fire Departments
- Gary P. Cox – Imperial Police Department
- Roy L. Byrd – El Centro Fire Department
- Domingo M. Enriquez – El Centro Fire Department
- Norman Heil – El Centro Fire Department
Chief Bernal emphasized that while the physical wall stands in El Centro, the contributions of these first responders stretch far beyond a single city limit.
"The first responders don't just service their community, they service the Imperial Valley as a whole," Bernal explained. "Many of us partner in different events, different emergencies, just different endeavors. And so all these names, while the wall stands here in El Centro and they may have served with a different organization, they've all provided service in some form or fashion to the City of El Centro, and it's just an opportunity to thank them for that."
The selection process relies heavily on community involvement to ensure impactful individuals are remembered.
"We put out an application process for those interested in having their family members or friends be honored on the wall, and so they submit an application," Bernal said. "It goes through the approval process, and that's how they get placed up on the wall."
The ceremony serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who protect the region. Community members, families, colleagues, and friends are all encouraged to attend and join the city in recognizing this year's honorees.
The event is entirely free and open to the public. For more information regarding the ceremony, community members can contact the El Centro Economic Development Division at 760-337-4543 or via email at economic@cityofelcentro.org.
