By Paula Scott

A Bluffton Community First Responders Appreciation Breakfast was hosted by Bluffton Middle School students on March 31. The event was heartwarming as well as somber. It marked the first anniversary of the line of duty death of Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis and it provided the students with an opportunity to express their appreciation to the men and women who protect our community as well as respond to emergencies on the roads, in workplaces and in our homes.

The program read “In honor of Officer Dominic “Dom” Francis… We will never forget.”

Students Xandra Gatchel and Chesney Rodabaugh greeted the guests who were seated at tables in the cafetorium. The tables were filled with student drawings and written expressions of gratitude. The walls were lined with large colorful banners welcoming the first responders of Dispatch, EMS, Fire, Police.

A welcome by student Elizabeth Phillips and prayer by Mallory Blackburn preceded the meal, provided by school food service director Rosanne Garmatter.

The 6th grade choir and soloists directed by Kara Zink sang “American Tears,” “I Will Carry You” and “Tribute to First Responders.”

CONTINUES WITH ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Two student poems were presented: “Men & Women in Blue” by Reis Thompson and “To Our First Responders” by Alexis Mummert.

The Junior High String Orchestra under the direction of Rachel Lewis performed “My Country Tis of Thee,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “America the Beautiful.”

A video slideshow by Payton Camper highlighted community first responders, showing them in the community and at work.

Invitations for the breakfast were created by Carli Wise.

Closing remarks were presented by teacher Robin Ault who works with a 21-student advisory class. She noted and listed the 17 middle school students who have parents who are first responders. She said, “We hope that you can feel just how much we appreciate you not just on this day but each and every day. We thank you for taking the time to attend this morning and may you never question the importance you have in all of our lives. God bless you and keep you safe.”

Following the program, the Icon spoke with Bluffton chief of police Ryan Burkholder, who said, “This is a day of reflection and we can remember all the good times we were blessed to have with Dominic. It will be a hard day to get through, but we will all, in our own way, honor him today.” Burkholder also commented on the community’s overwhelming support: “I always knew we had it, but it has exploded…. And the event today was beautiful. The kids did a great job. It was a real positive on a day that can be very difficult.”

Program back: “Real Heroes are all around us; they face challenges with fear and grace.”