On Friday night, June 20th, LECOM Park in Bradenton was filled with excitement, pride, and a deep sense of gratitude as the Bradenton Marauders hosted their annual First Responders Night to honor the brave men and women who serve our community. This cherished event, held each year, gives us the opportunity to come together to recognize and show appreciation for all first responders, and the Manatee Hundred Club was honored to be part of the festivities once again.
This year, the Marauders made the night even more special by honoring Chief Melanie Bevan’s incredible 39-year career in law enforcement. Chief Bevan was presented with her own personalized jersey, #143, in recognition of her years of service to the Bradenton Police Department. It was a truly touching moment as we celebrated her dedication to keeping our community safe.
Additionally, Officer Jorge Castro made his debut performance by singing the National Anthem, adding a personal and moving touch to the event. Detective Rachael Tobie also had the honor of throwing out the first pitch on behalf of the Bradenton Police Department, looking sharp in her Honor Guard uniform, and her hat stayed on through it all!
The evening was filled with additional heartfelt moments, including Deputy Rizzi proudly taking the mound for a ceremonial first pitch. It was a symbol of the unity and teamwork that our first responders display every day as they work together to protect our community.
A big thank you to the Bradenton Marauders and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for their continued support of our local heroes. Your commitment to honoring first responders means the world to us and helps foster a greater sense of connection within our community.
At First Responders Night, we were proud to support Bradenton’s finest and to celebrate the dedication of all the departments that make our community safer every day. From police officers to deputies, paramedics, and firefighters, this night was a reminder of the sacrifices made by these incredible individuals.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this fantastic event. Let’s continue to show our appreciation for the heroes who keep us safe, not just tonight, but every day.
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