The Fountain will turn blue Saturday, Nov. 19, to honor emergency first responders.

Organizer Phyliss Kern said the water will become blue between 4 and 4:10 p.m. in Fountain Park.

Kern described “Back the Blue,” as a “one-of-a-kind tribute honoring the men and women who serve and protect the public 24/7.”

The free celebration will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. and feature speeches by elected representatives, mother of a Mesa police officer who died in a traffic accident involving an illegal immigrant, and Rural Metro Fire Chief Dave Ott.

Music, food trucks and vendors are welcome, along with donations to fund the event.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh will welcome guests at 3 p.m., followed by a prayer by School Board member C.T. Wright.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will speak about 15 minutes starting at 3:15 p.m. Sheriff Joe Arpaio is scheduled to talk at 3:30 p.m.

Maryann Mendoza will tell the story about her son, Mesa police officer Brandon Mendoza, who died two years ago when an undocumented immigrant driving drunk on the wrong side of I-10, collided head-on with his vehicle. She will take the stage around 3:40 p.m.

Mendoza has demanded to know why her son’s killer wasn’t deported after a conviction 20 years earlier. She delivered a similar message in July at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Other speakers will be State Rep. Michele Ugenti-Rita, State Rep. Jay Lawrence, State Sen. John Kavanagh and Detective Jacques Tregre.

Nick Hambruch will lead the audience in singing the national anthem at 4 p.m., immediately before the fountain changes color.

In addition to Kern, on the planning committee are Kathie Martis and Lina Bellenir.