First Church Honors First Responders

Many may tune out the sound of a siren, but for first responders, it’s the beginning of a serious situation.

The First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring honored first responders during a church service on Sunday, April 16.

The idea sprouted from the Outreach and Missions Club of the church, and the service will now be an annual event for the church. Some of the first responders in attendance included Assistant Chief Corey Eicher, Landon Beers, Tim Laird, Bill Beers, Gary Thompson, Fred Beers, and Bobbi Beers, who led the call to worship.

“For me, it’s nice that we recognize those people on the front lines, Bobbi said. “This church is a great support system for all of us.”

Rev. Dr. David Crumrine asked for any members in attendance to rise for recognition.

“If you’ve never been in a situation where you’ve needed a first responder, say a prayer of thanksgiving,” Crumrine said. “If you’ve been in situation where you’ve needed a first responder, say a prayer of thanksgiving.”

Other groups recognized included the Friendship Fire Company, Roaring Spring Borough Police and AMED. Members Gary Thompson, Fred Beers and Bill Grubb were also honored as having more than 50 years of service as a first responder. There were also four generations of Beers recognized: Fred, Bill, Brandon and Landon as all members of the Friendship Fire Company.

The service was special to many including Don Bookhammer, who is part of the Outreach and Missions Club.

“These are men and women who should be appreciated,” Bookhammer said. “When we need them, they are there. We want to show them as a church family and as a community that we are supportive and thankful for all that they do for us.”

Longtime church member Krista Snyder agreed.

“It’s a service we can be proud of,” Snyder said.