On Tuesday, May 1, the Exchange Club of Branford hosts a banquet to "Honor Our Shoreline Heroes" at Woodwinds of Branford, recognizing eight of the finest and bravest serving the towns of Branford, North Branford, Guilford and East Haven.

"We believe it's important to honor and thank the police and firefighters that are our public servants, and that recognition bestowed on these community heroes serves as an inspiration for their colleagues in the field to strive to meet similar ideals," said event organizer Jack Mushin.

Mushin helped gather the first Shoreline Heroes event in Branford five years ago. He said while Exchange Club of Branford is only 15 members strong, it's also the only Exchange Club among the four towns, and members felt it was important to recognize as many area local heroes who serve the shoreline as possible.  

"There are no Exchange Clubs in Guilford, North Branford or East Haven," said Mushin. "It's become something they all look forward to, and a chance to honor a hero from each department."

The first Shoreline Heroes event was mounted as part of the 65th anniversary year of Exchange Club of Branford. The club reached out to recognize police and fire department members not only from Branford but also North Branford and Guilford. In 2016, the popular program also welcomed East Haven to be a part of the annual event.

This year, honorees in dress uniform will continue a tradition of entering the banquet led by New Haven County Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band.  Special guest singers will also perform patriotic songs. The night's guests will include local and state leaders who also assist Exchange Club of Branford in gathering official proclamations for the honorees. This year's keynote speaker is Adam Greenberg, author of "Get Up: The Art of Perseverance." Closing remarks and awards will once again be given by Dr. Henry Lee, Forensic Scientist & Chief Emeritus, CT State Police.

The annual banquet not only recognizes acts of heroism or bravery in the line of duty, but also serves to thank the men and women nominated by each town's police and fire departments for other worthwhile efforts and actions, such as community service involvement.

"We're honoring them because these are people that go above and beyond," said Mushin.

The 2018 Shoreline Heroes to be honored are: Branford Fire Dept. Lt. Harold Barrington; Branford Police Dept. Det. Arthur Ferris; East Haven Fire Dept. Battalion Chief James Oca; East Haven Police Dept. Sgt. Kevin Klarman; Guilford Fire Dept. Capt. Dan Fisher; Guilford Police Dept. Officer Joanne Shove; North Branford Fire Dept. Lt. Kenneth Ash and North Branford Police Dept. Sgt. Cort Sperry.

Each year, upwards of 250 people help fill the ballroom at Woodwinds for the annual banquet; and the club is hoping for another big crowd of supporters, family and friends to help recognize these heroes on their special night May 1. Tickets are available now; program sponsorships are also available.

The Exchange Club of Branford presents Honor Our Shoreline Heroes on Tuesday, May 1, at Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Road Branford. Hors d'oeuvres begin at 5:45 p.m.; dinner and program at 7 p.m. For tickets ($40 in advance or $45 at the door, as available), email art.promotions1@gmail.com　or call (203) 901-7982. Program book sponsorships are also available, please call or email.