Emergency Services Day (ESD) honors the workers who protect and support our City and Bay including the Police and Fire Departments, the Sheriff's Office, the Coast Guard, and new this year, the Department of Emergency Management/911 and the Park Rangers. The Honorees for the 2023 Emergency Services Day held on February 27, 2023 were: Sergeant Joshua Arnold of the San Francisco Sheriff's Office; Park Ranger Amanda Barrows of San Francisco Recreation and Parks; Battalion Chief Matthew Cannon and Paramedic Anthony Chiacco of the San Francisco Fire Department; Officer Raylene Larot of the San Francisco Police Department; Intelligence Specialist 3 Mason Kuri of the United States Coast Guard; and 9-1-1 Dispatcher Marissa Manalo of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management.
There were members from nine different Rotary clubs, the honorees and their loved ones, and special guests in the audience. The audience was the largest ever for this special event. The sold-out crowd was in a jubilant mood as they entered the Academy of Arts sunlit Automobile Museum at Van Ness and Washington in San Francisco. The dazzling collection of antique cars framed 24 rows of dining tables running the length of the hall where the crowd enjoyed lunch. Special thanks to Club Member Michael Petricca and Honorary Member Dr. Elisa Stephens for the gift of this marvelous venue.
Rotary Club of San Francisco President Christopher Wiseman kicked off the program and then introduced Club Member Matt Madsen and his Brass Quartet from the Salvation Army. They played a special arrangement written by Matt Madsen of America the Beautiful. 
I had an amazing time this afternoon! The venue, the amazing people, and awesome food honestly blew me away. Thank you to you and your team for having me and my family. Hope to see you again! ~ Officer Raylene Larot
Thank you so much for leading the excellent Emergency Services Day. It meant so much for me to participate in this event. ~ Club Member Sally Swanson
Well done – great day and thanks! ~ Club Member Jim Patrick
Flashy videos taken from Dillonwood Productions and displayed on the big screen led the story of each honoree. Then, there was a brief video interview with the nominating officer recounting the events leading to the award. Master of Ceremonies Dan Joraanstad provided a detailed background of each of the stirring events; these ranged from the capture by Sergeant Joshua Arnold of a man swinging an ax and threatening pedestrians to an infant saved by careful CPR instructions by 911 operator Marissa Manalo. There was no idle chitchat or eyes on the cellphone as the heroic tales enthralled the audience.
Front Row: SFPD Officer Raylene Larot, 9-1-1 Dispatcher Marissa Manalo. Back Row: Paramedic Anthony Chiacco, Intelligence Specialist 3 Mason Kuri, Sergeant Joshua Arnold, President Christopher Wiseman, and Battalion Chief Matthew Cannon
Honoring Ranger Amanda Barrows of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks
U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Supervisor Myrna Melgar representing the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for District 7 had provided certificates of commendation to each of the honorees. Carmen Chu, City Administrator of the City and County of San Francisco, provided a congratulatory statement. These certificates were presented along with gifts made possible through the generous donations and sponsorships listed on the Program.
Many thanks to the long hours put in by Co-Chairs Bob Hermann and Matt Madsen to pull off such a successful event despite many complexities. Thanks also to the Greeter team led by Maureen O’Shea, the Registration team led by Larry Booth and Rhonda Poppen, and our Emcee Dan Joraanstad. The planning for this event began in September 2022 and started with the Event Committee listed on the Program.
Tributes from the Honorees, Rotarians, and Special Guests continue to pour in following this special event. Here are a few of the many tributes:
I had an amazing time this afternoon! The venue, the amazing people, and awesome food honestly blew me away. Thank you to you and your team for having me and my family. Hope to see you again! ~ Officer Raylene Larot
Thank you so much for leading the excellent Emergency Services Day. It meant so much for me to participate in this event. ~ Club Member Sally Swanson
Well done – great day and thanks! ~ Club Member Jim Patrick
Held since 1987, ESD is usually the biggest signature event of the year for our Club. Plan to join us again next year.
See more photos here. Thank you to John Mount for being our photographer.