100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm
If you were anywhere near the Crossroads Shopping Center in Henderson this morning, you may have wondered about the large gathering of police officers, deputies, fire personnel, EMS/EMT, Rescue Squad, State Highway Patrol and other public and civil servants.
Thankfully, the cause of the gathering at 946G West Andrews Avenue was not of the emergency variety but was instead a show of gratitude.
Restaurant 39 owner J.R. Stainback held a free breakfast buffet for law enforcement and first responders from 8 until 10 a.m. to show his appreciation for those who serve and protect.
“We are just trying to let them know we appreciate everything they do for our city and our community,” Stainback said. “I worked with Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow to get this breakfast together, and I hope we can get other businesses to follow suit.”
Local law enforcement, fire, EMT/EMS, Rescue Squad and other first responders attend a free appreciation breakfast courtesy of Restaurant 39 in the Crossroads Shopping Center, Henderson. (WIZS photo)
Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell spoke to WIZS’ John Charles Rose during the station’s live broadcast and expressed his gratitude to Stainback and the restaurant staff for their generosity.
“It means the world to us to know that we’ve got business owners and volunteers that are here today looking after local fire, EMS and law enforcement. Knowing that the community and people like JR and his staff have public safety in their thoughts and prayers means the world to us,” he said.
Sheriff Curtis Brame remarked on the good turn out and said, “We don’t often get that pat on the back; it’s great to be appreciated.”
WIZS John Charles Rose brings listeners a live, on-location broadcast from Restaurant 39’s appreciation breakfast. (WIZS photo)
Brame also informed the crowd that Chief Barrow was unable to attend due to a prior engagement but did have a big part in planning and promoting the breakfast.
Javier Plummer, director for Vance County EMS, said he and his crew were glad to be included in the occasion. “Hopefully, we don’t have any interruptions and then we can enjoy and fellowship,” joked Plummer. “We do the best we can for the citizens and we are proud that we can be here and represent.”
Before partaking of the meal, David Barnett, associate minister at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, offered a blessing and words of encouragement.
“Your jobs are very difficult, very dangerous and very demanding,” he said. “I hope you find them very rewarding also. It’s not just a grab and it’s not just a job. Restaurant 39 and the rest of the people gathered here today want to say we love and appreciate you. Lives are changed because of what you do.”
To hear WIZS’ broadcast from Restaurant 39, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.