The Aug. 29. first responder appreciation banquet combined virtual and in-person elements to give first responders and their supporters a night of love and appreciation.
One thing Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks of First Call often says is that there’s never a bad time for the community to thank first responders for their service. On Aug. 29, that feeling went both ways as the church and Chaplaincy Care Inc. hosted its Banquet of Heroes event.
At the heart of the banquet, held from 6 to 8 p.m., was a virtual presentation hosted by Middlebrooks featuring spoken testimony from members of police and fire departments, EMS, the military and more, as well as from families, friends and supporters of first responders who thanked them for their service and shared their own testimonies as well. The featured speaker was John “Tig” Tiegen, a former United States Marine Sergeant who was involved in the Sept. 11, 2012 Benghazi incident and was portrayed by Dominic Fumusa in the 2016 movie 13 Hours. The presentation also featured a performance by the singing group The New Floridians, which is comprised of first responders.
The banquet was catered by Outback Steakhouse Plant City and diners could choose to either eat in the church’s banquet hall or take their food to go.
The entire presentation is hosted on Chaplaincy Care’s YouTube page and is viewable at youtu.be/Jz6tvv2k2n4.
