By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Sometimes a good barbecued dinner says “thank you” like nothing else can.
So next Sunday – the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks – local police, fire and sheriff employees will be thanked for their service to the community with a free barbecued chicken dinner in Bowling Green City Park. The dinner is being offered by Modern Woodmen as part of its Everyday Hero initiative.
“This year marks the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Modern Woodmen’s Be an Everyday Hero project remembers and honors those lost … and recognizes the brave first responders, military members and others who continue to serve our community every day,” said D.J. Deiter, managing partner with Modern Woodmen.
A couple hundred police, fire and sheriff employees and their families are expected to attend the barbecue in the Veterans Building at the park.
“I thought it was important to invite their families as well,” Deiter said. This is the first time the local first responders will be honored this way.
Deiter said now is an important time for the community to show its appreciation for law enforcement and firefighters.
“With all the negativity that’s going on against the police, we wanted to do something special for them,” he said.
The dinner will give first responder families time to sit down to eat and socialize together. As of last week, nearly 200 were signed up for the barbecue. “Every department has been very gracious,” Deiter said.
“I’m not a military person myself,” though several of his family members have been in the service, Deiter said. “I’ve always had a great deal of respect for what they do. We should do whatever we can to say thanks and show we appreciate them.”
This will be the second time in a few weeks that Modern Woodmen has recognized local law enforcement. Bowling Green Police Officer Robin Short was recently given the Hometown Hero Award for working with children in the community.
Short was honored at a Bowling Green High School football game, and given stacks of letters from her young fans and their parents. She is a DARE officer in Bowling Green City Schools, teaches Safety Town for kids, and coaches a variety of youth sports for the city parks and recreation department.
“I was very surprised,” she said of being honored as a Hometown Hero. “I’m very honored. It’s heartwarming to see how the community feels.”
Short has had a chance to read several of the heartfelt letters and check out the colorful sketches of her from young students.
“It’s been a lot of fun. They are so adorable,” she said, adding, “my table’s a disaster.”
Last week, Short was at the school district’s fifth grade camp. One of her jobs was teaching tomahawk and knife throwing. “It’s safer than it sounds,” he said, laughing.
She got roped into helping at the school district’s fifth grade camp a few years ago. She went down for one day, but upon arrival found that flu had gone through one of the dorms, knocking two teachers out of commission. She was asked to help fill in.
“If you get me a toothbrush, toothpaste and bedding, I’ll stay,” she said. She’s been helping out ever since.
The Hometown Hero Award let Short know that people appreciate her efforts. “I talk to people all the time, but you don’t realize it’s such a community feeling,” she said.
And the Everyday Hero project with its barbecued dinner will spread the feeling around even more.
“We just got the email for that this week. It sounds fabulous,” Short said of the dinner. “Being a first responder can be a tough job.”
