Helping to enhance the safety of Juno Beach

September 30, 2024 - Volume 7 Number 17

Juno Beach to Welcome K9 Officer and Handler

We are excited to learn that the Town of Juno Beach has graciously accepted a generous donation from The Big Dog Ranch and The Hometown Foundation for a Police K9 Officer in memory of the late Lew Wheeler. Lew was a founding member and Vice President of the Juno Beach Police Foundation.

Officer Greg Mullen, who has been with the Juno Beach Police Department for several years, has volunteered and been selected as the Department's new K9 handler.

We are confident that more information about the dog will be provided shortly by the Chief of Police, and that the new K9 will arrive in Juno Beach before the end of the year.

Congratulations to both the agency and Officer Mullen!

Honoring Heroes: A Memorable 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Juno Beach

The Juno Beach Police Foundation recently sponsored the annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony, bringing together the community to honor the lives lost and the heroes who responded on that tragic day. This year's event, held at the Juno Beach 9/11 Memorial, drew a large crowd and featured a series of heartfelt tributes, including a stirring keynote address by retired NYPD Deputy Chief Rey Mundo. Chief Mundo, who played an active role in the response to the 9/11 attacks, shared his personal experiences from that day and the months that followed, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience and bravery of first responders.

Numerous photos of the ceremony, captured by Foundation photographer Kelly O'Brien of Coastal Click Photography, are available for viewing at this link: Juno Beach September 11 photos We invite readers to explore these images, which beautifully document the poignant moments of the day.

The ceremony began with a welcome from Town Manager David Dyess, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies, followed by an introduction of distinguished guests by Mayor Peggy Wheeler. Chief of Police Brian Smith led a poignant moment of silence, honoring those who lost their lives, while Police Chaplains Reverend Emily McGee and Rabbi Berel Namdar offered moving invocations.

One of the highlights of the morning was a beautiful performance of the national anthem by renowned singer-songwriter Monique McCall, who also sang her original piece, "No Better Place - America," which resonated deeply with attendees. The ceremony concluded with a stirring rendition of "God Bless America" by Black Thorne Bagpiper David Lairson, leaving the audience with a sense of unity and pride.

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered in the Council Chambers for a breakfast sponsored by the Juno Beach Police Foundation. The meal, catered by local favorite Bagel Boyz, offered a time of fellowship and reflection, with many participants staying to share their thoughts and memories of the day.

The Juno Beach Police Foundation is grateful to everyone who attended and helped make this year's ceremony a meaningful tribute to the heroes of 9/11.