Borjas legacy lives on in annual golf event

By Reggie Connell/Managing Editor of The Apopka Voice

When we are in danger, we call 9-1-1 and they respond. While we are seeking shelter and safety from hurricanes and other natural disasters, they face the storm. No matter the conditions or the risk, when they are needed most, they answer the call.

They are first responders.

Armando Borjas Jr. spent 14 years as a first responder with the Apopka Fire Department. Before that, he served seven years in the United States Marine Corps. Clearly, Borjas lived a life of service.

Unfortunately, that life was short.

In 2011 Borjas was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer, and two years later he died. He was only 39 years old.

Borjas was a father, son, husband, and brother to his fellow firefighters at the AFD.

"No matter how hard his struggle was he always had a smile on his face and an encouraging word for those around him," said a fellow AFD Firefighter.

Borjas' legacy will never be forgotten by the AFD and all of Apopka, and now for the third straight year, his fellow firefighters organized a golf tournament in his name. All proceeds benefit a memorial scholarship fund which will help send a local youth to Fire and EMT school and carry on Borjas' legacy of public service.

It's called the 3rd Annual Armando Borjas Jr. Golf Tournament. It was held Saturday at the Forest Lake Golf Club.

I dusted off my golf clubs and entered this year, and I must say it was an event I was honored to be a part of, and will never forget.

A golf course is typically a fairly quiet, and reserved venue. Golfers rarely make a lot of noise or show much emotion. However, firefighters, police officers, and first responders are a different breed.

I guess running into burning buildings or apprehending armed criminals changes their perspective on how to celebrate life and embrace their off-time with full-steam-ahead gusto.

Yells and screams of joy after someone made a putt or hit a long drive filled the day with energy and excitement that is rarely experienced on a golf course. The early rains and constant windy conditions did not dampen or thwart anyone's pursuit of happiness.

It was a day of fellowship, joy, remembrance, charity, legacy, and honor. It was a day Armando would have loved.

Later that evening there was a serious collision that shut down 441 in Apopka and brought out multiple departments - Fire, Police, EMT's ... even a helicopter was dispatched to transport the injured. It was a stark reminder of what this fraternity of first responders does every day to keep us safe and to help us at our most vulnerable of times.

It's almost a cliche' to thank a firefighter or police officer for their service, but thanks anyway. They deserve the praise of a grateful community.

And thank you, Armando, for your service. It was a privilege to play in your golf tournament, help with such a great cause, and walk with your brothers who risk their lives every day.

Photos from the City of Apopka Facebook Page.