Plant City’s first responders can testify that gratitude is not only expressed with words, but also with a hearty meal.
On Friday, Plant City recognized its men and women in uniform, with a breakfast get-together at Johnson Barbeque restaurant.
It was the inaugural opening of the First Friday “Hero” Fellowship to honor the town’s EMTs, firefighters and police officers.
From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., officers from Plant City Fire Rescue, the Plant City Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, stepped inside, grabbed a plate of food, and socialized with their colleagues.
This function – courtesy of Chaplaincy Care Inc. – will now be held the first Friday of every month in Plant City.
The event first began in Brandon, almost a year ago, by Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks, founder of Chaplaincy Care. Inc.
The non-profit organization is designed to help first responders continue to serve the public to the best of their ability. It offers counseling sessions to strengthen them mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.As a retired Army serviceman himself, Middlebrooks offers veterans the same resources.
Chaplaincy Care Inc. has branched out of Hillsborough County to neighboring Pinellas County and Pasco County.
He currently serves as the senior chaplain for First Call – First Responder Church in Dover. After retiring from the military in 2013, he decided to spiritually serve not only those in uniform, but the public on a whole.
In doing so, he and his wife moved to where Middlebrooks’ roots are proudly grounded.
“One thing about Plant City is that we’re pretty ferociously protective of our first responders,” he said. “We have some incredible men and women that are willing to give their lives. We just need to make sure we’re willing to give time to recognize them.”
One way of doing so was pulling out raffle tickets and handing prizes to the winners. It was one of many moments in the restaurant, that brought smiles and laughter.
The buffet-style gathering had officers lined at a table serving eggs, biscuits, grits, hash browns and sausage, to name a few.
Plant City Police Officer Joshua Snyder was one of those in line.
His father was in law enforcement for 30 years and that inspired him to join the force.
He said that he was compelled to come aboard the Plant City Police Department, where he has now served for 14 years.
“When I started looking into it,” Snyder said, “I had a couple of options coming out of the academy. The agency was growing, the city was growing. I just felt like there was a lot of opportunities here.”
He also mentioned that his fellow officers are not only comrades, but family as well. Part of that family is Middlebrooks, who has been a mentor for him.
Also in attendance was Plant City native, Jordan Williams who is currently studying to become a chaplain.
As a soldier in the Middle East, he began to feel drawn toward doing ministry work.
“Around the age of 25, I was in Turkey and the Lord had a calling for me,” he explained.
There was no chapel on his base, so he organized a bible study session to motivate his fellow soldiers spiritually.
When he left the military in 2018, his passion for the Lord came along home with him. He is set to become the first associate pastor at First Call church.
Chief David Burnett of Plant City Fire Rescue and some of his crewman joined the breakfast celebration.
He commends Middlebrooks for his love and support toward his team.
And Burnett said that his passion as a firefighter has never dwindled since he began serving over 30 years ago.
“It’s one of the greatest careers, and to do it here in Plant City,” he exclaimed. “Everyday I just enjoy coming to work.”
Middlebrooks didn’t hesitate to express his thankfulness toward the first responders present and reassured them that his organization welcomes them with open arms.
“That’s really what the blessing is about,” he said. “If we can pour into their lives and protect their hearts, they will protect us when we need them to do so.”