Home » Home » Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello Received President’s Award at Survive First Responder Gala

Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello Received President’s Award at Survive First Responder Gala

By  //  April 30, 2025

Presented With Highest Honor of the Evening

Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello received the President’s Award at the Survive First 3rd Annual First Responder Gala. The ‘highest award’ of the evening recognizes Augello’s dedication to his leadership and the mental health and well-being of his department.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello recently received the President’s Award at the Survive First 3rd Annual First Responder Gala held in Orlando.

This award recognized Augello’s dedication to his leadership and the mental health and well-being of his department.

Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello (3rd from right) received the President’s Award at the Survive First 3rd Annual First Responder Gala. The ‘highest award’ of the evening recognizes Augello’s dedication to his leadership and to the mental health and well-being of his department.

Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina said Augello’s leadership embodies the very best of public service.

“His commitment to the well-being of our officers and his steadfast dedication to fostering a culture of wellness and mental health have set a powerful example for our community and beyond,” said Medina.

“Receiving the President’s Award from Survive First is a testament to the heart, passion, and integrity he brings to the Palm Bay Police Department each and every day. On behalf of the City of Palm Bay, I extend my deepest congratulations to Chief Augello on this well-deserved honor.”

Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina (pictured) in recognizing Chief Augello on receiving the President’s Award at the Survive First 3rd Annual First Responder Gala, said, “”Chief Augello’s leadership embodies the very best of public service. His commitment to the well-being of our officers and his steadfast dedication to fostering a culture of wellness and mental health have set a powerful example for our community and beyond.”

Survive First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping first responders and their families who need mental health support, from the impact of PTSD, depression, and substance abuse.

For more information on Survive First, CLICK HERE.

Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello recently received the President’s Award at the Survive First 3rd Annual First Responder Gala. The ‘highest award’ of the evening recognizes Augello’s dedication to his leadership and to the mental health and well-being of his department.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia.  He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018,  Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.