Local first responders honored At United in Uniform ceremony

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Houston County first responders were honored Saturday as non-profit group Servants Task Force brought them together to recognize their service to their communities. Local community leaders and representatives of the state legislature were there to thank the police and firemen present.

According to Servants Task Force CEO Steve Rodgers, now that the month of May in Georgia is considered United in Uniform, Recognition and Remembrance month, he hopes to have this event become a movement statewide.

“We want to start uniting families, supporters, friends and those that put justice and America first as far as what our people in uniform accomplish for us by protecting our freedoms, protecting and serving and being willing to put their lives on the line to save people that they don’t know,” Rodgers told The Journal.

When Georgia Representative Bethany Ballard took the stage Saturday afternoon, she reaffirmed this goal.

“Those we honor here today protect us at home and fight for us in places around the world that we have trouble even locating on a map,” Ballard said. “They do the things we cannot do for ourselves, and are, indeed, made of sterner stuff than the rest of us.

“We turn to them on our worst days — fires, car wrecks, break-ins — and they help us put our lives back together. We turn to them when foreign threats arise, and they go so we can stay safe at home. They are always there to answer our call.”

Ballard thanked the honorees present for their service.

Georgia Senator Ed Harbison followed Ballard on the stage. He thanked Rodgers for Servants Task Force’s efforts in creating the opportunity for this ceremony, and for working to establish United in Uniform month in Georgia.

“Many of those brave men and women and their families make large and small sacrifices for the sake of their fellow countrymen each and every day,” Harbison said. “Many have made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their life for the sake of freedom for our country.

“Whether you serve in the United States Armed Forces, law enforcement or as firefighters, active duty or retired — we all know the responsibility that comes with donning a uniform.”

Harbison thanked the honorees for their dedication to the United States and its citizens, and added that it’s important that people’s appreciation of these individuals not be limited to a single month, but be consistent year round. Finally, he asked that anyone in a crisis, anyone struggling with their mental health, call the mental health hotline, 988.

At this point, “amazing Grace” was played to honor military members, law enforcement and firefighters who have fallen in and out the line of duty. Afterward, former Georgia Firefighter Administration President David Bullard stood to represent the 24,000 firefighters in the state, career and volunteer.

Bullard highlighted his organizations work with the state legislature, the work fire departments across the state do to serve their communities, and the training and mentorship built into the culture of fire service meant to make their service better. As he closed, he made note of a key difference between the United States and other nations across the globe.

“We’re fortunate in our nation. There are a lot of places in this world where when you wake up, you don’t have protection, there’s a lot of places in this world where you wake up, and you don’t have fire protection,” Bullard said. “We’re fortunate that doesn’t exist in our state, it doesn’t exist in our country.”

Following Bullard’s comments, Servants Task Force presented their first “hero plaques.” According to Rodgers, these plaques are a token of appreciation to first responders and military members for their service. Ranger Tommy Jackson of the Houston County Sheriff’s Dept. and Chief Chris Stoner of the Houston County Fire Dept. received these first plaques. They will hang in the facilities of each of these groups as a reminder the communities appreciation.

Ron Goodbub, district manager for the Office of Congressman Rick McCormick, was the next to speak. He thanked Servants Task Force for their work in organizing the event, and the work of McCormick’s office to serve veterans. He welcomed former military, law enforcement and firefighters to attend a job fair in the 6th district in August, organized by his office and open to all.

Rodgers spoke briefly next, reaffirming the work of Servants Task Force, and said that his organization will continue to serve first responders across the state.

Finally, TJ Hudson, the South Georgia field director for the Office of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, closed the afternoon. Hudson described some of the work of Jones, and the commitment his office carries to support their work. He voiced a final thank you for the service of those honored during the ceremony.

“Your sacrifice and commitment to put the safety of our state and it’s citizens above all is truly commendable,” Hudson said. “We will never truly know the sacrifices that you and your family have made.

“We can never thank you enough for what you have done, and what you continue to do. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you for your bravery and service. Thank you for all you do for our state, families and communities. You are heroes, and we’re grateful for you.”

After a final prayer, the ceremony was brought to a close.

For more information on Servants Task Force and how they serve the community, visit their website at www.servantstaskforce.org.

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