NRCC hosts first responder recognition dinner
SUBMITTED BY LANI CLAYTON
Everyone pictured during the first responder recognition dinner is either a second- or third-generation first responder. Ayla Ringo is the fourth generation in her family. From left to right, in the front row: Cindy Rouner, Amanda Cullin, Sarah Wray, Christy Forney, Ayla Ringo, Mary Smith, Josh Smith, Deanna Clayton, Rick Redden and Chris Redden. Back row: Cody Shewey, Cody Hoepker, Kenny Shewey, Thomas Shifflet, Jace Pine, Aaron Saxton, Zach Long and Hodge Holtman.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Highlighting the events of 2024, Northwest Regional Communications Center staff hosted an evening of awards to recognize the efforts of first responders from Nodaway and Worth counties on Saturday, April 5, at the Mozingo Event Center in Maryville.
The NRCC dispatches calls for all Nodaway and Worth first responders. The organization’s event team, led by Shanley Muff, coordinated the evening with the theme “Backyard Barbecue,” a potluck style meal that offered bag toss, a live auction and time to gather as a community, according to a news release.
Numerous area businesses donated gift cards and auction items to help raise funds for next year’s event.
From ambulance districts to fire departments and law enforcement officers, each first responder unit was able to recognize their volunteer, part-time and full-time first responders at the event.
The evening also highlighted the essence of family that is evident when first responders come together, the release noted.
“Each responder understands one another without having to talk,” Lani Clayton with the NRCC said. “Whether they were on an emergency call together or heard about an incident in another part of the county, each responder knows the personal and family sacrifices made in order to do the job.”
The NRCC hopes for the event to become an annual affair.
For more information, or to make a donation, contact the NRCC at 660-562-3209.
SUBMITTED BY LANI CLAYTON
Shown from left: Hodge Holtman, Chris Redden, Rick Redden, Kenny Shewey, Randy Strong and Darren Sigman have been a first responder for more than 30 years. Holtman has served 55 years.
