Comfort food and community brought first responders from around Jefferson City (and surrounding areas) Thursday to Second Baptist Church.
Sponsored by its Senior Adult Ministry, the church at 501 Monroe St., held its third annual first responders appreciation luncheon 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jan. 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
The long lunch schedule at the church allowed multiple shifts of first responders to participate in the event, Senior Adult Ministry President Jackie Jackson said.
The event featured ham- or turkey-and-cheese sandwiches and vegetable-beef stew or chili.
Jackson said there was a great turnout of first responders from around the city. She added Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler and some of his staff arrived at the event early. So had folks from Lincoln University.
The church also provided "to go" lunches for staff who couldn't break away from the job to attend.
"(The luncheon) is to let them know how much we appreciate them. We support them. We pray for them," Jackson said. "And that we love them."
The luncheon has grown over its first two years, she said. Last year, more than 50 emergency personnel attended.
The steady flow of emergency staff Thursday indicated word about the church's chili is beginning to spread.
"The chili was amazing," said Ryan Carrender, a Jefferson City firefighter.
His colleague, Billy Bolden, who is a fire truck driver for the Jefferson City Fire Department, said the luncheon helps the community stay connected in addition to offering emergency workers amazing stews and sandwiches. One of the church leaders is Bolden's neighbor, he said.
"It's nice to get to interact with (the people at Second Baptist Church)," Bolden said. "We have a very supportive community."
Feelings of appreciation are mutual, Jefferson City Police Department Capt. Eric Wilde said.
"We appreciate any opportunity we get to interact with members of our community in a calm setting," Wilde said as he finished a bowl of chili. "It shows we have support from our community, which gives us motivation to do a great job."