Community gathers to thank officers, first responders
Published 9:33 am Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Thank you.
That simple phrase was the theme of the day on Saturday as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2166 hosted a community picnic to honor and thank law enforcement officers and first responders for their service and dedication.
Members of the VFW and it’s Auxiliary chapter were joined by local and state leaders in expressing their gratitude at the event.
State Sen. Rusty Crowe and State Rep. John Holsclaw presented United States and Tennessee flags to the law enforcement officers and first responders who attended for them to take back to their respective agencies. The flags had previously flown over the Capitol building in Nashville, Crowe said.
“We love you and we’re proud of you,” Crowe told the emergency service members in attendance at the picnic. “Keep doing what you are doing. Thank you for what you do.”
Holsclaw said that “with all that’s going on in the world” it’s important for communities to thank and show their support for law enforcement and first responders for the service they provide and for putting their lives on the line every day.
“This is just a small token of what we think these guys deserve,”Holsclaw said.
Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey was also on hand for the event and he thanked not only the law enforcement officers and first responders, but also the veterans and members of the VFW for hosting the event.
“These veterans see we are now at war here on this soil and it’s a war we have to win,” Humphrey said. “I’m so honored and humbled to be here with our police, first responders, and EMS. Without them the quality of life here would not be as good.”
Members of the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, Elizabethton Police Department, Elizabethton Fire Department and Carter County Emergency Rescue Squad mingled with attendees at the picnic. Several of those in attendance introduced themselves to the officers, firefighters and medics and thanked them for the job they do.
VFW Post Commander Duane Gilbert said the idea behind the event was to allow the community to show its support, gratitude and respect for law enforcement and first responders.
“I would like to thank all of our police and first responders,” Gilbert told the gathering just prior to the flag presentation. “You don’t get enough credit for what you do,” he said to the officers.
Members of the VFW partnered with local businesses to gather door prizes, which were handed out during the picnic to the law enforcement officers and first responders who attended. The event also featured a cookout, games for the kids and bluegrass music.
Gilbert said he hopes to make the community picnic to support emergency personnel an annual event for the VFW.