PLANT CITY LODGE HOSTS CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND DINNER.
On Saturday, December 14, members of Plant City Elks 1727 spent all day feeding first responders at their lodge on Alexander Street. Spiral cut ham, green beans, scalloped potatoes, rolls, and an array of desserts covered serving tables. This food was not catered. Elks spent hours cutting the ham from the bones, cooking the home made food, and bringing it out to the firefighters and officers.
“It is all home-cooked—nothing is catered in,” Exalted Ruler Judy Wise said. “We cook it all back in our kitchen and we’ve time tested to find what the first responders like. It is our pleasure because we appreciate them. We were in the kitchen four hours yesterday taking ham off the bone. It is such a pleasure to do things for our first responders. Plant City Republican Women Federated supplied cookies, pie, cake, and other desserts.”
At noon, Plant City Police Department (PCPD) vehicles filled the parking lot as on- and off-duty officers came by to fill up. Chief Richard Mills gave comments to kick off the lunch, “I would put this department up against any in the nation,” he said. “You are all very much appreciated.
The Elks also honor a PCPD employee of the year during the lunch—this year giving recognition to a staff person who labors behind the scenes. “The Elks have been supporting first responders for the past 40 years,” commented Deputy Chief Justin Duralia. “For the last 14 years, Judy and Ed Wise have played such a large role in hosting this event for the police department and honoring the exceptional people that work here. This year, Records Technician Candace Colding was recognized as the Plant City Police Department Employee of the Year. She has been an invaluable part of our team at PCPD, and we thank the Elks for taking the time to organize this event, and recognize her efforts.”
After the officers and staff left, Elks cleaned the dining area, then cooked again. David Brewington, owner of Brewington’s Towing and Recovery, was one of those who labored for the first responders. “In my business, we work real close with the police department and the fire department,” he said. “This is the least I could do to show just a part of my appreciation for what they do for the city of Plant City and the community. I spent most of the day….It takes an army of people to put it together.”
Later, at 6:00 p.m., truckloads of hungry firefighters showed up to enjoy food not prepared by their shift at one of the firehouses.
New firefighters Cameron Hall, John Furlow, and Christian Torres had been sworn in earlier in the day. Battalion Chief James Wingo was recognized for 30 years of dedicated service to the Plant City community. Also, Captain Jason Mesa was awarded Firefighter of the Year. Peers nominated Mesa, and the Elks recognized him for this achievement at the dinner.
“Thanks to the Elks Lodge of Plant City for holding this event for us,” Fire Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas said. “This community goes out of its way to support public safety, and the Elks lodge in particular putting this on for these guys is absolutely wonderful. We can’t thank them enough. I am eternally proud of these guys. They care about the community. They all have a servant’s heart. I am blessed to be here—proud to be here in this city.” In many cases, firefighter’s families joined the dinner, and so, Chief Santalauskas gave Christmas gifts to excited kids.
“Every year with the Elks Lodge they go out of their way, above, and beyond to host a nice Christmas dinner for us,” Deputy Chief of Administration, Timothy Mossgrove said. “It gives us a chance to reminisce about what we have done over the year, and bring together our current employees and our retirees. It is a great time had by all. And we are very, very grateful for the Elks Lodge having us here and hosting us for Christmas dinner.”
