Emergency Management Services members and local leaders gathered at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center to honor first responders and give awards to distinguished people and crews during EMS Week.
Leaders handed out awards to those with exceptional service and hosted a free lunch for those who respond in times of crisis.
“How could we do it without them?” said county commissioner Tracy Adams. “We have a peace of mind because somebody’s going to take care of us and our loved ones in case something tragic happens.”
Dothan Fire Chief Larry Williams was insistent on honoring the hard work EMS units do.
“We couldn’t do the job we do for our citizens without y’all’s hard work and dedication,” he said.
Dothan Fire Battalion Chief Richard Byrd said the event highlighted the dedication and importance of first responders.
“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to these people, that no matter what time of day, what the call, they respond,” he said. “They don’t call us first responders for nothing.”
He encouraged people to thank the first responders in their community this week.
“Not only do we care for the citizens, but we have to care for each other,” he said.
Several city and county commissioners and members of city leadership attended the event, and they spoke high praises toward the work EMS crews do for the community.
“I want these people to know how important I think they are and how important the county thinks they are,” said Houston County Commissioner Brandon Shoupe.
Rickey Stokes’ son-in-law receiving the Life Save award, presented by the very person he helped save, Mr. Ricky Riley.
