Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Honors topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pinellas Park proclaims "Honorary Firefighter, Caden Riley Day" and community pays tribute
Summary
The city proclaimed July 1, 2026 as Honorary Firefighter Caden Riley Day, and family members and public safety officials shared remembrances and described efforts to secure state recognition for an honorary firefighter certificate.
Pinellas Park City Council opened its July 1 meeting with a proclamation honoring Caden Riley and proclaimed July 1, 2026 as Honorary Firefighter, Caden Riley Day.
Council and staff recognized Riley’s connection to Forbes Rec Center and noted that he graduated from Pinellas Park High School in May 2026. Associate planners and department leaders described the certificate and the department’s steps to secure an official honorary firefighter designation from the state so Riley’s memory would be preserved within the department.
Family members and public‑safety leaders addressed the council. Jenna Riley thanked city staff, the fire department and community members for their support, calling the family’s collective response “phenomenal” and saying she could not repay the community for its help. Chief Hughes and other chiefs described bedside pinning and department efforts to ensure Riley’s honorary firefighter status is recorded and memorialized.
Council said the tribute reflected the community’s support and noted related events and promotions earlier in the day. The meeting then moved to its regular agenda.
