‘Heroes Day’ honors Southern Arizona first responders | Events

Heroes Day is October 18 and is Southern Arizona’s way to say ‘Thank you’ to all the first responders out there for the work they do.

This will be the fifth year Heroes Day has been celebrated, recognizing local law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics Border Patrol agents and other first responders who keep Southern Arizona safe and help in times of crisis.

The four recipients honored this year with ‘Hero of the Year’ are:

• Jobe Dickinson, a Tucson Police Department officer who responded to an armed robbery and coordinated the response of several other patrol units, which resulted in the capture of all four suspects.

• Ty Cobb, a firefighter at Northwest Fire Department who, while off-duty, freed a crash victim from a burning vehicle and also rendered medical care to other victims until additional personnel arrived at the scene.

• Roberto Heredia, a U.S. Border Patrol agent who hiked up mountains on one of the hottest days of the year to provide aid, carry to safety through rugged terrain and ultimately save the life of a semi-conscious and combative alien.

• Aaron Escalante, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who – along with his military working dog, Mushe, assessed an Afghani terrorist operations site, detecting an arsenal of weapons and hidden explosives to secure the site and suspend terrorist operations there.

The ceremony honoring these special heroes will begin at 9:30 a.m. on October 18 at the La Encantada shopping center (2905 E. Skyline Drive) with a press conference.  Those wishing to honor the heroes can make donations to the UMC Foundation to support the UA Medical Center Trauma Center (the only level one trauma center in Southern Arizona). 

This annual event is a volunteer effort sponsored by Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care, with premier sponsorship going to American Openings Inc.  The first Heroes day was started in 2008 to honor Erik Hite, a Tucson Police Officer who was shot and killed responding to a Tucson residential shooting, as well as thank all law enforcement members who serve the state and put their lives on the line every day.

First responders will be treated to a free breakfast or lunch on October 19 at any of the five participating Jack Furrier Tire & Auto Care locations:

• 5852 E. Speedway Blvd.
• 8080 E. 22nd St.
• 4291 W. Ina Road
• 3002 N. First Ave.
• 7846 N. Oracle Road

The public is also invited to stop by any of the above locations on October 18 to sign ‘thank you’ banners or to drop off personal notes of appreciation to first responders.

There will be a reception for the photography exhibit “Stronger Than Steel” showcasing first responders in action to precede the Heroes Day festivities. 

The exhibit featuring works by photographic artist Roni Ziemba will preview on Oct. 17 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Gallery Row, (2001 E. Skyline Drive, Suite 139).

Tickets are $50 per person and include live music, cocktails, appetizers and a meet-and-greet with the artist. You can call the reservation line at (520) 694-1196 to purchase tickets.