SURFSIDE, Fla. — The Town of Surfside on Wednesday honored Eli Rowe for his service as one of the first responders to arrive at the scene of the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse.

During a ceremony marking five years since the tragedy, Commissioner David Weingot presented Rowe with an award on behalf of the town, recognizing his dedication and response efforts in the aftermath of the collapse, which claimed 98 lives.

Accepting the award, Rowe reflected on a personal prayer that guides his work.

“Every day when I wake up, I remind myself that in this world there are givers and there are takers,” Rowe said. “I beg Hashem, please let me be among the givers.”

Weingot praised Rowe’s dedication to helping others and his role in the response to the tragedy, which brought together emergency personnel and volunteers from across the country.

The ceremony also served as a tribute to the 98 victims and to the first responders, volunteers and emergency workers whose efforts brought comfort and support to the Surfside community in the days and weeks following the disaster.