Masons honor First Responders of VZC

The inaugural First Responders Banquet was held Nov. 12 with 713 first responders and guests filling the Canton Civic Center to highlight and show appreciation for first responders in Van Zandt County.

For every First Responder that attended, a specially-minted challenge coin was provided to them along with a T-shirt to commemorate the banquet.

There was 840 pounds of brisket served to attendees, and MC  Jim Fuller remarked, “we served 13 people in 29 minutes. Now, that has got to be a record.”

Entertainment for the night was provided by Buddy and the Flashbacks.

Kathy Smith from the Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers presented the “table set for one.”

The “missing man” table is also known as the fallen comrade table in memory of fallen, missing or imprisoned military service members. The table was displayed on the stage during the banquet.

 Judge Don Kirkpatrick read a proclamation, proclaiming Nov. 12 as Van Zandt County First Responders Appreciation Day.

Kevin Wilkerson and J.J. Wilson from the Farm Bureau made a presentation of $100 to all the county fire departments. Representatives Ben Wheeler, Edgewood, VZC Midway, Canton, Wills Point, SVZ No. 1 China Grove, Whitton and Edom Fire Departments were in attendance and accepted checks on behalf of their department.

Blake Anthony and Ryan Hall of Eubank Funeral Home made a presentation to Canton Fire Department, Canton Police Department, VZC Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Highway Patrol as a way of “saying thanks for the services that first responders provide.”  

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