First Responders honored at appreciation dinner

By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer

Firefighters from fire departments across Taney County and emergency services personnel from the Taney County Ambulance District were honored with an appreciation banquet on May 19. The fun-filled night of entertainment, food and prizes was held at the Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge in Forsyth and sponsored by the Taney County 100 Club, the Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Elks Lodge #2597.

Branson Police Chief Jeff Matthews reading proclamation from Governor Mike Parson honoring Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin for his service.

Photo credit: Beyer Film + Photo

The groups sponsored an appreciation banquet for area law enforcement earlier this year.

According to a representative of the Taney County 100 Club, the dinners are simply a way to show thanks for the work all these first responders do every single day of the year, which too often goes unrecognized until it is desperately needed.

At the May dinner, over 50 area donors helped ensure every first responder in attendance was given a prize. Photos were also provided for each honoree and his or her guest.

Emcee for the evening was Branson Police Chief Jeff Matthews. Popular Branson comedian and ventriloquist Jim Barber provided entertainment, including a hilarious lip sync presentation of Taney County Sheriff Brad Daniels as Willie Nelson.

John Winkert, former paramedic who now owns Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que in Forsyth and is also a volunteer firefighter with Central Taney County Fire Protection District, summed up the evening saying, “I can’t thank you guys enough! I felt totally overwhelmed by the care the group showed to us, the first responders. In nearly 30 years of providing some level of public service as a first responder, I’ve never felt so cared for. Taney County 100 Club is awesome. I’m sure everyone in that room felt the love.”

Taney County 100 Club is dedicated to showing appreciation to area first responders. The Club uses annual dues and a variety of fundraisers to financially support first responders injured in the line of duty and the families of fallen first responders. Learn more at www.taneycounty- 100club.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.