Weekend lunch honors Houston County first responders

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The community gathered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday to honor and remember first responders, past and present, at the “Walter A. Corley, Jr. Memorial First Responders Recognition Luncheon.”

The man it was named after inspired the event. A Faithful Navigator with the Warner Robins Chapter of the Knight of Columbus, Corley served for the Fourth-Degree Assembly. Showing patriotism, a main principle of the fourth-degree, Corley wanted to honor those in the line of duty.

40 years ago, he established a “Public Safety Dinner” and as a member of Sacred Heart, partnered up with the church to accomplish the task. Now, the local Knights of Columbus and the church continue this tradition yearly.

This weekend, Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick was the keynote speaker at the event. Representing Centerville was Mayor John Harley and Councilman Edward Armijo.

First up was remembrance of the fallen across the state. In 2022, one EMT, 14 police officers, and one K9 officer lost their lives in the line of duty. As each name was read, a bell rang out in memory.

Additionally, a table in the room, with various symbols, including a white tablecloth, a red rose, a red ribbon, a slice of lemon and a pinch of salt on a plate, a Bible and a set of inverted drinking glasses symbolized those who had fallen and could not attend the event.

While attendants dined, Mayor Patrick spoke to the crowd, saying she was privileged to represent the city of Warner Robins.

Speaking about fallen officers first, she encouraged the crowd to think of why they served, adding that first responders are a type of person who is always willing to help.

She listed several reasons why someone might serve, then ultimately said above all else is to protect the innocent. She then encouraged the crowd to take comfort in the fact that a legacy is left by the fallen.

Shifting to those who currently serve, she said while first responders have different job titles, they share one common thread: the concept of “first in, last out.”

“The duty is being the first to the scene of an emergency, the sacrifice is bound to be the last out in an emergency situation,” Patrick said.

Patrick explained concepts like unpredictability and danger on the job through an anecdote about an emergency situation, then asked what kind of person would choose the field. Answering her question, she said it comes down to selflessness and sacrifice.

“To me the answer is simple, [it’s] a selfless person who’s natural reaction is to help someone in need; A person who can’t keep still, knowing someone needs help. Often times, these types of people are those who are the first to hold the door for an elderly woman, or a person who gets joy in helping someone else accomplish a mission or overcome a challenge; someone with a natural instinct to help,” Patrick said.

Patrick then closed by speaking on challenges in recruiting the next generation of first responders, suggesting that society share positive stories from first responders.

“We must all do our part. We must be loud and bold about the great work first responders do on a regular basis. Let’s share the good stories, and the feel-good stories, not just the tragedies. Let’s share the stories highlighting lives saved. We have to show the younger generation what a hero truly looks like,” Patrick said.

After Mayor Patrick spoke, Knights of Columbus Faithful Navigator Burl Jimmerson presented awards to 13 responders from local agencies; many were also nominated for The Journal’s 2023 edition of Hometown Heroes. Warner Robins Police Department Ofc. Elizabeth Smith, Centerville Fire Department Engineer Allen Redd, Perry Fire Department Firefighter Caleb Woods, Houston County Fire Department Lt. Kendall Marzoll and Houston County 911 Center Deputy Kate-Lynn Hosier were among this group.

Centerville Police Department Cpl. Mike Nelson (and his K9 Storm,) Perry Police Department Sgt. Kimberly Morton, Robins Air Force Base Airman First Class James Stevens, Robins AFB Fire Inspector Marcus White, Houston County Sheriff’s Office Lt. George Horne, Houston County EMT Stephen Joiner, and Georgia State Patrol Trooper First Class Barry Bennett also received accolades.

Reflecting on his win, Sgt. Nelson said he was honored and gave props to the entire police department: “I can honestly say that it’s a team effort. It starts with the chief and goes with everybody who works with me. If it wasn’t for all of us, I probably wouldn’t have been here today.”

HHJ News