Fire districts’ chaplain plans service to honor local heroes
Published: October 5, 2004
Hurricane Jeanne wasn’t going to stop Richard Kirby from showing his appreciation to local emergency service workers.
The 76-year-old chaplain for the Southern Manatee and East Manatee fire districts has planned a special service called Heroes Day to honor them Sunday morning at Samoset Bible Tabernacle.
The service was supposed to take place two weeks ago, but got rained out.
It’s even more timely, Kirby thought, especially after the bad weather in the past six weeks.
“They’re my heroes, and they’re the unsung heroes that people take for granted,” Kirby said enthusiastically. “These people are there when we need them.”
After Sept. 11, 2001, Kirby had wanted to thank local firefighters, emergency medical service staff and law enforcement officials for their contribution to society.
Kirby, who has been a chaplain for some Manatee County fire districts for the past 20 years, had planned a similar service last year.
But the turnout was poor, he said, because of inadequate preparation.
This time around, he hopes to see more people filing through his church’s doors this Sunday.
At least half a dozen folks at the Southern Manatee Fire District have promised to be there, with fire trucks in tow.
“We certainly appreciate the recognition,” said Chief Tom Hennessey of the Southern Manatee Fire District. “He certainly has a warm spot for us.”
Several members of the 25-per¬son church will perform special songs for the service. Kirby also plans to give a short talk.
“Our service is not going to be an elaborate one,” Kirby said, “but I wanted to keep in people’s mind how important they are in our community.”
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