PBCBA BAR BULLETINS pbcba_bulletin_Dec. 2019 | Page 21

2019 Workers’ Compensation Seminar
The Workers’ Compensation CLE Committee, chaired by Alicia George of Wyland & Tadros, LLP, held its
annual seminar in October with a record-breaking attendance by over 100 practitioners! Our local JCC judges
participated, along with judges throughout the state. A reception followed the seminar.
The Kennie Edwards’ Award was presented to Judge Thomas Hedler. The award is given each year on behalf
of Kennie Edwards, who was tragically killed on September 19, 1996 when an injured worker armed with a
shotgun and handgun burst into a workers’ compensation defense firm in West Palm Beach and began firing
shots. At age 38, Kennie left behind his pregnant wife and their five year-old son, Chris. Following this horrific
event, the workers’ compensation community established the Kennie Edwards Award which is presented
to a Workers’ Compensation attorney or judge who best exemplifies those professional qualities admired in
Kennie – honesty, integrity, cordiality, good humor, high ethical standards and advocacy tempered by a sense
of humility.
This year’s ceremony was extra special as the presentation of the award was made by Chris Edwards, Kennie’s
son, who is now an attorney in Columbus, Ohio.
Judge Shelley Punancy, Judge Timothy Basquill and Judge Mary D'Ambrosio are past judicial recipients of
the Kennie Edward’s Award. Previous past attorney beneficiaries include Jason Goldstone, Alison Schefer,
Randy Porcher, Michael Celeste, Lyle Platt, Michelle Leissle, Charles Williams, Lloyd Findler, Walter Beisler, Art
Pumpian, David Rigell, Stan Narkier, Michael McManus, Nicole Hessen, Jeffrey Friedman, Marissa Hoffman
and John Clarke.
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