All Henry County law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel will be honored for their service to the community during morning-long services and a complimentary luncheon for them, their families and the community on Sept. 13 at Foursquare Gospel Church, 3200 S. 14th St. Pastor is the Rev. Jim Becker.
The "Cultivating Honor" celebration is presented by the church. Two people involved with it include Don Wray, Foursquare elder and co-chaplain of the Henry County 911 Emergency Chaplains, and Bill Palmer, public relations officer for the Henry County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard and co-chaplain of the Henry County 911 Emergency Chaplains.
The men say that while this is the fourth year that the church has honored these public servants, it is the first year that the special service has been emphasized throughout the community.
"We want people to know our emergency services and support them," said Palmer. "There's a lot of things going on not only here but all over the world."
The men say that last year, about 350 attended the services and meal with probably 75 to 100 and among that number honored as emergency personnel.
Organizers encourage all Henry County emergency workers, paid or volunteer, and their families, to attend. The personnel being honored are asked to wear their uniforms. Organizers hope for at least one emergency vehicle from each area represented to be on hand.
The men encourage the public to shake the hands of the men and women who are serving with their time, talent and even the possible loss of their lives for the community. They say sometimes just a simple thank you and hand shake means so much to them.
The day's agenda for Sept. 13 at the church is as follows. Everything is free and open to the public. The event will take place rain or shine.
11 a.m.: worship service to thank and honor public servants.
12:30 p.m.: police, rescue, fire vehicles and rescue helicopter (the latter, weather permitting) on display.
12:40 p.m.: prayer and memorial for those in law enforcement, fire and rescue who lost their lives in the line of duty.
12:45 p.m.: lunch is served.
