Police & Fire Rescue Ball Marks 20 Years in Palm Beach

Above: Tom Roush, Police Chief Nick Caristo and Detective Robert Mastrangelo / Image Credits: CAPEHART

01/30/2026

The Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation marked its 20th anniversary on January 24 with a Roaring 20s–themed Police & Fire Rescue Ball at Mar-a-Lago Club, raising a record-breaking $7.5 million in support of the men and women who help keep the town safe every day.

The black-tie event drew nearly 800 guests for a heartfelt tribute to Palm Beach’s police officers and firefighters. Event Chairs Bret and Amy Baier led the evening alongside Honorary Chairs Jeff and Nicola Marcus and John and Amy Phelan, with the Foundation’s co-founders John F. Scarpa and Tim Moran honored as the 2026 Palm Tree Award recipients.

After the Presentation of the Colors by the Palm Beach Police and Fire Rescue Honor Guards, the spotlight turned to those being celebrated. Police Chief Nick Caristo presented the Officer of the Year Award to Detective Robert Mastrangelo, while Fire Chief Sean Baker honored Firefighter Leonardo Montoya Bravo as Firefighter of the Year. Each received a $10,000 award in recognition of their service and dedication to the community.

All of the funds raised will stay in Palm Beach, directly benefiting the local police and fire teams who serve the community year-round by supporting Special Project Funding for advanced medical equipment, drone and investigative technology, surveillance units, expanded camera systems, and environmental safety resources for both departments. The evening ultimately served a single purpose: to support the men and women of Palm Beach Police and Fire Rescue, whose work continues long after the lights go down and the guests go home.