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JAM | Nov 3, 2025

Serving those who serve: Pizza hut honours Jamaica’s everyday heroes

/ Our Today

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Reading Time: 5 minutes
Firefighters of the St. Catherine Division stand proudly alongside the Pizza Hut Jamaica team during the Our Unsung Heroes appreciation visit to the Spanish Town Fire Station. Left to right: Firefighter Tafari Stephenson, Pizza Hut Representative Cleo Hewitt, Firefighter Jordan Garwood, District Officer Christopher Brown, Pizza Hut Representative Janiel Sappleton, Assistant Superintendent Otis Rowe, Marketing Officer Levene Sheriff, Senior Superintendent Dennis Lyons, Firefighter Devaughn Cole, Pizza Hut Representative Cassandra Hamilton and Acting Sergeant Matthew Whilby.

Across Jamaica, some heroes wear helmets, others high-visibility vests, and many simply show up every day to keep the island safe, clean and cared for. In October, Pizza Hut Jamaica celebrated them all through its Our Unsung Heroes initiative, honouring firefighters, sanitation workers and casual labourers whose daily efforts do not go unnoticed.

The journey took the Pizza Hut team from fire stations to storefronts, paying tribute while connecting with the men and women who protect, clean and care for communities through simple acts that made an extraordinary difference, especially as Hurricane Melissa would soon demand even more of them.

The first stop took the team to the Spanish Town Fire Station, headquarters of the St Catherine Division, where the morning began with a prayer and words of encouragement from Senior Superintendent Dennis Lyons.

Members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade from the York Park Fire Station proudly display their tokens of recognition alongside the Pizza Hut team during the Our Unsung Heroes appreciation visit. From left: Levene Sheriff, Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut Jamaica; Jonathan Walker, Lance Corporal; Jordan Wint, Firefighter; Kandine West, Marketing Officer at KFC; Camerley Vaccianna, Firefighter; Corporal Dane Morrison; and Aaliyah England, Digital Officer at Pizza Hut Jamaica.

He welcomed the group and shared how meaningful it is when the wider community pauses to recognise the people behind the uniforms.

Representing Pizza Hut Jamaica, Marketing Officer Levene Sheriff thanked the firefighters for their commitment.

“Firefighters show up every day with courage and commitment, not knowing what the next call will be. We saw that first-hand during our visit, watching how quickly they moved when duty called. Then Hurricane Melissa struck, and now they are once again on the frontlines supporting families in the middle of devastation. Looking back, we are grateful that we had the chance to honour them before the country turned to them again. Their dedication is deeply valued,” Sheriff stated.

The Premier Waste team got a well-earned surprise from Pizza Hut, a small thank you for big daily effort.

A similar scene unfolded at York Park Fire Station in Downtown Kingston, where Senior Superintendent Patrick Gooden and Assistant Superintendent Courtney Thompson welcomed the Pizza Hut team.

Boxes of pizza were shared, stories were exchanged and for a while, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and light conversation.

“These moments lift morale in a big way,” said Assistant Superintendent Thompson. The moment shifted quickly when a call came in, sending several firefighters rushing to their trucks to respond to an emergency. A reminder of the unpredictable nature of their work and the quiet courage it demands.

A moment of recognition for Groundsman Oneil Reynolds, whose consistent care helps keep the property groomed and welcoming.
Jonathan Henry, janitor at Pizza Hut New Kingston, flashes a proud smile after being recognized for his steady commitment and care in keeping the restaurant spotless.
Firefighter Samantha Martin proudly accepts her token of appreciation during Pizza Hut Jamaica’s Our Unsung Heroes visit to the Spanish Town Fire Station. A devoted mother and dedicated officer with nine years of service to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, she was recognised for her resilience, discipline and excellence.

Eight firefighters across both stations stood out for their exceptional service and dedication, their combined years in the Jamaica Fire Brigade amounting to almost a century of courage and care.

The Pizza Hut team presented each with a special token, a heartfelt thank you for the lives they’ve touched and the example they continue to set.

The initiative also reached those who work quietly behind the scenes to keep spaces clean and welcoming.

Corporal Michael Sutherland, a pillar of strength and reliability at the St. Catherine Division, receives his token of appreciation from Pizza Hut rep Cleo Hewitt. With 30 years of dedicated service to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, he stands as an exemplary figure of professionalism and commitment.
Acting Sergeant Matthew Whilby, with nine years of service to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, recognised by Pizza Hut’s Marketing Officer Levene Sheriff for his exceptional expertise in emergency response and training. Holding certifications in water rescue, training and development, assessment, and firefighting levels 1, 2 and 3, he continues to demonstrate excellence across the operational, technical and human aspects of firefighting and rescue work.
Levene Sheriff, Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut Jamaica, connects with firefighters at the York Park fire station, serving up pizza and gratitude in equal measure.
Cleo Hewitt from the Pizza Hut Jamaica team shares a light-hearted moment with firefighters of the St. Catherine Division during the Our Unsung Heroes appreciation stop.

At Pizza Hut locations in New Kingston, Liguanea, Barbican and Harbour View, casual workers responsible for maintaining storefronts were greeted with smiles and gift bags.

Sanitation workers who stopped by on their regular collection routes were also surprised by team members offering tokens, including lunch kits, bucket hats, insulated tumblers and Pizza Hut vouchers for a well-earned treat.

For Pizza Hut Jamaica, Our Unsung Heroes stands as a reflection of the company’s belief in community and kindness.

“Whether they’re responding to emergencies, keeping our streets clean or preparing our spaces for others, these individuals make Jamaica better each day,” said Levene Sheriff. “Taking the time to salute that effort is the least we can do.”

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