LaGRANGE- If you’re a first responder in LaGrange or Troup County, there is a treat waiting for you on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Blackwell’s Inc., a Georgia-based company servicing industries in the Southeast for industrial cleaning, CO2 dry ice blasting, concrete polishing, concrete coatings and coating repair in LaGrange will be hosting a New Year’s Eve barbecue lunch for all local emergency responders during their shifts in appreciation for the all the service and sacrifice they give to keep the community secure and safe.

The lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the business at 801 Hill Street. Organizers expect at least 150 people to show up, but will prepare and anticipate around 200 to 300 people to attend.

“On that day, we just want to put some food in their belly and just pray over them when they stop by and pick a plate up,” said Blackwell’s Inc. Human Resources and Safety Coordinator Clint Greathouse. “We’re doing this just to show our appreciation for the sacrifice they make so that we can be at home safe with our families.”

The Appreciation BBQ Dinner was created and started by the owner of Blackwell Inc., David Blackwell, and his friend Christopher Thompson as they came up with an idea of wanting to give back to the community in some way.

“David is always giving and looking to participate in charitable events,” said Greathouse.

Blackwell, Inc. is looking to serve barbecue plates that will consist of bread, chips, a pickle, drinks and they are looking to include a side or two, depending on the contributions they receive. Blackwell Inc. is working with several customers that are making contributions to the meal and have already accepted donations for the bread that will be served.

Greathouse said they expect to have plenty of volunteers that will help prepare the meal and give out plates. Blackwell’s Inc. is happy to accept any items from the community that will be of use for the lunch before Dec. 31.

“I sure hope there will be a positive reaction,” said Greathouse, referring to how he thinks the public will respond to the lunch. “We take for granted the protection that surrounds us in the community daily and the efforts that these people put forth to make sure there prepared in case of an emergency situation. We’ve been blessed not to have a situation where we don’t have to call on the fire department or local law enforcement but that doesn’t take away from the importance of it.”

Greathouse said that he has reached out to the Troup County Fire Department, Troup County Sheriff’s Department, the city of LaGrange Fire Department, EMS (Emergency Medical Services), LaGrange Police Department, AMR (American Medical Response), Georgia State Patrol, LaGrange Post, 911 Call Center and other local emergency first responders to inform them about the lunch.

“These women and men get overlooked because we don’t have to call them,” said Greathouse. “Most of all I just hope people understand the importance of the services they provide and hope these men and women – even if they don’t get to participate in the lunch – understand this a token of our appreciation for what they do. This event is important to all of us.”

 

Shirttail- Reach James Simpson II  706-884-7311, ext. 2155, or by email at james.simpson@lagrangenews.com