First responder appreciation dinner is a success

THREE MILE— Boundary County first responders and their families were honored at an appreciation dinner hosted by the Boundary County Chaplain’s Corps on Dec. 9. 

This is the second year the celebration was open to all first responders. In the past year, the Chaplain Corps has hosted the sheriff’s office and fire districts with separate appreciation dinners.

They already have plans for next year and hope to get the community involved. 

Chaplain Len Pine said he hopes to make future events ticketed for community members to cover the cost for first responders and to give the opportunity to recognize first responders in front of the community. 

By having the event open to the community, he hopes the event will become more than the Chaplains Corps appreciating first responders.

Chaplain Mike Munoz, who serves as pastor at Covenant Bible Church, said it was a pleasure to provide the venue for the first responders dinner. 

As a retired battalion chief, he said he understands the struggles and hardships that local fire responders go through on a day-to-day basis. He also hopes that the event will build and grow every year. 

Chaplains help first responders process and work through on-the-job incidents. They are ready to serve those who serve.