Orlando International Airport will cease commercial operations at 8am, Wednesday, October 9th. Employees should contact their manager directly for instructions and updates. For information regarding flights, please check with your airline.

Wilfred Martinez, a contractor for Cherokee Enterprise Inc., was working off-site near the Terminal C construction area when he noticed severe weather approaching the airport.

In a sudden turn of events, a lightning bolt struck a nearby gas container, igniting a fire. Without hesitation, Wilfred sprang into action, extinguished the flames and alerted emergency personnel.

With his swift and decisive actions, he was able to prevent a much larger incident.

On September 25, 2024, CEO Kevin J. Thibault presented Wilfred Martinez with the MCO Challenge Coin, recognizing his heroic actions here at Orlando International Airport.