The HOA’s Security, Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee (SSEP) was in full motion Monday, July 27, hosting its annual summer fundraising event benefiting the North Fort Myers Fire Department (NFMFD). This marked the third year for the event, and once again, Herons Glen residents came out to enjoy a delicious meal, learn about fire safety and support a very worthwhile cause.
The event has two important goals. First, it strengthens the relationship between Herons Glen residents and our local first responders. It gives residents an opportunity to meet the men and women who serve our community, ask questions and learn more about emergency preparedness and safety.
This year, NFMFD provided several interesting demonstrations, including a propane burn-off demonstration and fire extinguisher training. Residents also had the opportunity to see some of the department’s specialized equipment, including its Dive Truck, Special Operations Trailer and drone.
The second goal is fundraising for equipment the fire department needs to better serve North Fort Myers and surrounding communities.
In 2025, the SSEP raised approximately $400. Because that amount was not enough to purchase the needed equipment, the money was held until additional funds could be raised. This year, residents really stepped up. The 2026 event raised $1,891, allowing the HOA/SSEP to purchase much-needed shoring equipment for NFMFD’s Special Operations Unit.
So, what exactly is shoring equipment? In simple terms, it is used during rescue operations to stabilize unstable or collapsed structures, vehicles or trenches. It helps prevent further collapse, protects victims and provides firefighters and technical rescue teams with a safer work area especially during trench rescues when someone may be trapped.
GOOD FOOD, GOOD NEIGHBORS AND A LITTLE ICE CREAM
Of course, no Herons Glen event would be complete without food!
Despite the typical Florida heat and humidity, the HOA/SSEP purchased the food, and volunteers cooked everything on-site. And for dessert, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) arrived with its ice cream truck, offering chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. There was plenty of ice cream to go around!
The atmosphere was made even better with music provided by Herons Glen resident volunteers Tom Foster and Norman Montgomery.
Putting together an event like this is a big undertaking, and its benefits extend beyond Herons Glen. It helps support the North Fort Myers community as a whole while giving our residents a chance to learn, connect and have some fun along the way.
A big thank-you goes to the Herons Glen residents, SSEP team and Homeowners Association for organizing and sponsoring the event and, most importantly, to everyone who contributed.
We were pleased to reach our fundraising goal and help provide NFMFD’s Special Operations Unit with the shoring equipment it needed.
NFMFD shared its appreciation with the Herons Glen community:
“A huge thank you to the Herons Glen community for hosting us and supporting public safety! Even in the Florida heat, it was a great day of community connection with our Dive Truck, Special Operations Trailer, drone, digital fire extinguisher training system, and propane burn-off demonstration. We enjoyed sharing safety resources, good food, and fire prevention education with everyone. Thanks to your generosity, $1,891 was raised toward shoring equipment for our Special Operations Unit.”
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027
Be sure to mark your calendars for 2027. The SSEP plans to continue its fundraising efforts with a FIREWISE event in February and another Summer Charity Fundraiser in July.
If you would like to make a donation outside of these events, checks can be made payable to NFMFD, with “Equipment” written in the memo section. Checks may be given to me or dropped off at the HOA office.
And fundraising is only one part of what the SSEP does. Its CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) subcommittee offers educational programs throughout the year, including READY classes, CPR/AED training, fraud awareness and other safety-related programs. Watch the HOA Communications Committee announcements for information about upcoming programs.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success. Your generosity supports our local first responders and helps make our community and our neighbors throughout North Fort Myers safer.
