Area first responders receive a meal of appreciation served by Cattlemen’s Association

Photo submitted. First Responders from the various departments in Whitley County share not only a meal, but a moment of fellowship and camaraderie at their appreciation lunch sponsored by the Cattlemen’s Association.

Most people try to escape or hide from dangerous or sometimes deadly situations. Not so with the nation’s first responders.

The first responders are the ones who run toward danger and trouble, many times placing their lives on the line to defend, protect, and/or rescue victims of violence and disaster. Often this is done with little or no recognition for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.

As a way of saying “Thank you,” members of the Whitley County Cattlemen’s Association provided a free lunch of rib-eye steak sandwiches, cheese burgers, chips, baked beans, coleslaw, dessert, and a drink for all the first responders in Whitley County.

Approximately 85 meals were served to members of the sheriff’s department, police departments, firefighters, state police, and ambulance service/EMT personnel. The event appeared to be a great success as the Cattlemen’s Association members were pleased with the turnout, while the first responders were unanimous in their expressions of thanks for a great meal and simply being recognized for the jobs they do.

Photo submitted. Manning the grill are Cattlemen’s members Tom Rains, Mike McNeil, and Jim Rains.

Eskridge Shelton, President of the Cattlemen’s Association said, “We certainly appreciate the jobs these folks do to keep our communities safe and the help they provide in the time of need.”