The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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June 9, 2008

Emergency responders offered a little down time

By Robert Barron

Staff Writer



Most residents see their flashing lights before they see the individuals, civil servants responding to traffic accidents, fire alarms or medical emergencies.

But Sunday evening, Enid area emergency responders gathered with their families during the second annual Serving the Servants event, sponsored by World Harvest and Grace World Outreach churches.



This is the second year for the event, and the Rev. Brad Mendenhall of World Harvest Church said they planned for 500 people. Lines formed at tables of food bulging with hamburgers and hot dogs and the trimmings, baked beans and drinks. In another area there was cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones. There was a climbing tower and Moonwalk for entertainment, and paintball games were played on the other side of the field. A volleyball net was strung, and several people played horseshoes.

Lt. Justin McAllister, of Enid Fire Department, was eating a hamburger with Robert Leblanc and Charles Schulz. McAllister said the event is a good thing.

“It’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be,” the 14-year veteran said, as he did not attend last year. “It feels really good (to be appreciated).”

Enid Police Sgt. Billy Varney was at the event with his wife and 7-week-old baby. He said it is a good time for everyone to get together and enjoy each other’s company and bring their families.

“We see each other at work, but you can’t have fun stuff like this very often,” Varney said.

He appreciates the churches sponsoring the event.

“Everyone at the police department, we all enjoy it,” he said.

Mendenhall said numbers this year were a little more than last.

“This is to give back to our civil servants. They give so much every day, at a moment’s notice. We want to thank them and be a blessing to their families,” he said.

Police Lt. Dean Grassino was watching children jump in a Moonwalk. This is the second year he and his wife have attended.

“It’s good for us to get together with others in the emergency services. We see people we usually only see in bad times, and you see people in a lot different light,” he said.

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