First Responders Appreciation Dinner To Become an Annual Event

I am super excited to announce that after last night’s outpouring of love and gratitude for our first ever First Responders Appreciation and staying awake most of the night with my mind wondering and a praying on what to do, we have decided to make this an annual event.”

Mitchell Baker

On Friday, January 16th, 2026 the community gathered to pay honor and appreciate those that serve as “First Responders” in our community. An Appreciation Dinner was held honoring these “Hometown Heroes”. First responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS, Dispatchers, and other emergency professionals, serve our communities with unwavering courage, skill, and dedication. These men and women routinely face hazardous, unpredictable, and high-stress situations in order to protect life, preserve property, and ensure public safety.

First responders provide aid in emergencies, natural disasters, medical crises, and times of natural and community tragedy. They exhibit exceptional professionalism, bravery, and resilience. The sacrifices made by first responders extend to their families, who support them through long shifts, missed holidays, and the uncertainty each time they answer the call to serve. It is fitting to recognize the essential role these individuals play and express our deepest gratitude for their service and the positive impact they make every day.

Recognized and honored at the dinner were members of the Jackson County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departments (McKee Fire & Rescue, Gray Hawk Fire Department, and Sand Gap Fire & Rescue), the Jackson County EMS, Jackson County 911, Jackson County Emergency Management, the Jackson County Constables, the McKee Police Department, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

House of Refuge and Pine Grove Baptist youth groups, served a meal and drinks to the first responders, donated by McKee Baptist Church, House of Refuge Church, and Little Country Church. Lynetta Hunter reported, “These youth groups will steal your heart with their desire to serve others, passion to jump into action and do what’s necessary, and their genuine concern to do everything they do with the heart of Jesus.”

Over 230 items (including a Colt pistol and a Henry rifle) were donated by numerous individuals, businesses, and churches and given away to first responders. Collectively, these items were estimated to total around $11,000.

Mitchell Baker, Brian Gabbard and Shane Gabbard each spoke to those gathered. Each praised all First Responders and their families for their dedication and commitment to providing critical (and often life-saving) services to our community.

Appreciation Plaque Awards were presented to the agencies along with several individuals.
McKee Police Chief Zach Bryant received two distinguished awards at the event. Judge Shane Gabbard presented Chief Bryant with the distinction of being recognized as a “Kentucky Colonel”. Troy Truett followed that with an Appreciation Award Plaque honoring Chief Bryant for all his work with numerous First Responder agencies. Bryant has been a police officer going on 10 years, worked EMS for about 5 years and has served as a Volunteer Firefighter for the last 15 years. He has seen terrifying things throughout his career as a first responder; from active shooters, apprehending murder suspects, working murder cases, deaths of children, doing CPR on people that he knew in his heart weren't going to be resuscitated, but he also didn't want the family watching thinking he was giving up, and fighting fatal house fires.

Mitchell Baker reported on social media following the event, “I am super excited to announce that after last night’s outpouring of love and gratitude for our first ever First Responders Appreciation and staying awake most of the night with my mind wondering and a praying on what to do, we have decided to make this an annual event. Since February was declared First Responders Appreciation month we will set the dates later next month for 2027. I felt like forming a committee to help make it even better and bigger, I chose people that I knew had a heart for it and was in it for the long haul. We will gladly take help any where we can get it but this group will head things up and lighten loads from each other. We are gonna need community support and all hands on deck. I can’t wait till our first meet which will be in February here soon. I will try to keep everyone updated on our meetings and informed of the plans.”

Members of the Jackson County Annual First Responders Committee include Mitchell Baker, Lynetta Hunter, Troy Truett, Shay Hacker, Bobby Wagers, and Dreama Durham.