The ninth annual Heroes Banquet organized by the nonprofit Homes for Heroes of Chaves County organization honored 36 veterans and first responders on Saturday at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair event building.
Former U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce of Hobbs, now chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, gave the keynote address to the crowd of about 300, with Roswell Mayor Dennis Kintigh presenting a welcome.
The theme of the evening was “Sacrifice in Service,” which was also the name of the award given posthumously to Roswell firefighter Jeff Stroble. Stroble passed away at age 46 on July 21 due to injuries sustained during a June 5 fireworks explosion. Roswell Fire Department Chief Devin Graham presented the award to members of Stroble’s family. Fellow firefighters involved in the incident also were recognized during the evening.