Rockwall first responders honored at Chamber luncheon

(ROCKWALL, TX – March 16, 2016) Rockwall County first responders were recognized for their dedicated service to the community during the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce First Responders Appreciation Luncheon presented by Baker Brothers Plumbing and Air Conditioning and Lake Pointe Medical Center on Wednesday, March 16.

More than 200 folks comprised of business community members, city officials and first responders – police officers, firemen, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, disaster agencies and volunteers – packed the Rockwall Fire Station #2 at 920 Rockwall Pkwy to enjoy an appetizing lunch served by Mellow Mushroom and wonderful desserts by Unrefined Bakery. Attendees also enjoyed free valet parking with a red carpet welcome, a performance by the Rockwall High School Jazz Band, and the highlight of the event — a stirring speech from keynote speaker Major General (Ret.) Gary Bunch.

It takes a very special person to serve as a first responder, as generally only two percent of applicants are qualified to serve in that capacity, according to Bunch.

Bunch said for his daughter Alicia – who’s reaching her fifth year as a patrol officer – to qualify for the job, she was required at minimum to obtain an Associate’s degree and then to pass a written civil service exam, where half the applicants who ended up passing were then weeded out. Alicia then was required to pass a physical fitness test and an agility test, followed by an oral board and polygraph exam, and was the only one of 93 applicants to make it that far in the application process.

“Not everyone is qualified to do the job of a first responder or wants to do it,” Bunch said as he addressed the many police officers, firefighters, EMT and other service men and women present. “You’re extraordinary people who work long hours for less than you deserve and also at your own peril. I want the business community to know how exceptional you are and the qualifications you possess.

Bunch added, “You never know when a call for assistance or which stop might turn deadly. Yet you mount up every day, answer the next call, roll to the next fire and answer all emergency medical calls because you feel a duty and responsibility to your companions on your left and right, while protecting the citizens of our community.”

Bunch was born in Frankenberg, Germany, and along with his twin sister was adopted and spent his childhood in Lockhart, TX. He learned how to serve from his parents, who both served in the Navy and were honorably discharged. He graduated from Texas A&M University where he received a Regular Army commission via ROTC. He spent over 35 years in the U.S. Army, both active and Reserve, and retired as a Major General.

During his military career, Bunch commanded at all levels from platoon to brigade and had three deployments to combat zones. His many military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Combat Action Badge.

Bunch acknowledged several individuals in his life who he considers his service heroes, including his parents, his daughter Alicia, and the many military soldiers who served under his command.

“All the service members I’ve been fortunate enough to know and those I have served with, as well as those in the room today, exhibit the same values: their loyalties to their country and to one another,” he said. “They take personal accountability and responsibility, and they always accomplish their duty no matter the odds. Without their contribution to this nation, and service to themselves, our country would not be as great as it is.”

Rockwall Chamber President Dana Macalik and State Representative Scott Turner each echoed Bunch’s gratitude for local first responders, who risk their lives day by day to make the community a safer place.

“These unique individuals are committed to protecting and serving to their very best ability, and to do so with skill and compassion,” Macalik said. “At times it may seem like a thankless job. But then there are times when something happens and someone notices you and thanks you, and you feel validated and appreciated enough to gear up for the next accident or disaster.”

“To all of the first responders here today, I want you all to know that you’re my heroes,” Turner said. “The things that you do affect us from generation to generation, and for that I’m grateful. Thank you for laying your lives down for others.”

The Chamber also honored some outstanding individuals for their service to Rockwall County by presenting each of them with an American flag and certificate of appreciation: Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper, Rockwall County Sheriff Harold Eavenson, Heath Director of Public Safety Terry Garrett, Fate Department of Public Safety Chief Brian Griffeth, McLendon-Chisholm Mayor Gary Moody, Rockwall County EMS Chief Mitch Ownby, Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt, Rockwall Police Chief Kirk Riggs and Rockwall County Judge David Sweet.

First responders also received a couple of generous donations in the form of a truckload of Gatorade and water from Republic Services, as well as $3,000 in gift certificates from Culpepper Steakhouse.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News staff writer.