Rockwall County first responders honored at appreciation luncheon

ROCKWALL, TX – December 3, 2021 — Rockwall County police, fire and EMS were treated to an outdoor barbecue lunch Thursday at Harry Myers Park, in recognition and appreciation of their dedication to protect and serve.

The Chamber’s 6th Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon welcomed guest speaker Quint Avenetti, US Marine Corps (Retired), and a fun raffle with awesome prizes including coolers and an outdoor grill.

Avenetti said the phrase “to protect and serve” may seem like simple words, but they often carry a heavy burden for those who take up the calling of a first responder. Many in that line of work suffer in silence from the stress of the trauma they deal with on a day-to-day basis, often projecting it onto their families or even themselves. Avenetti referenced the number 22 – the average number of combat veterans and first responders who commit suicide every day.

“In speaking with a fellow Dallas firefighter, I asked him what drove him to his trade. He said it was the privilege of service, a call to serve and help people. In this service, he said, he finds fulfillment, and I imagine that’s the same for all of our local first responders,” Avenetti said. “Then I asked him his thoughts on stress, trauma and how he deals with that. His response: ‘There’s no value in harboring things that damage you. It’s part of a self-destructive mechanism to sweep our anguish and trauma under the mental rug, and it only piles up. It only festers like a rancid wound.’ He wanted to tell me that it was more of an act of strength to verbalize and seek help. Seek council among your own, a fellow first responder, and break the cycle of self-inflicted pain.

“You’re not alone. It’s a sign of maturity, of courage, to speak out. There’s no reward for harboring stress. But there is a consequence, there is a punishment, and it’s usually the families who are punished.”

Eva Hummel with presenting sponsor Atmos Energy recognized Rockwall County first responders for going above and beyond their call of duty to serve their communities, highlighting a very special occasion when the Rockwall Professional Firefighters Association recently donated the $10,000 proceeds of its breast cancer awareness t-shirt fundraiser to a local mom diagnosed with Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

“This is just one of the many things our first responders do,” Hummel said. “They host community clothing, food and toy drives for those in need, and partner with our local nonprofits such as Helping Hands, Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, and Meals on Wheels. They are not only committed to the safety of the communities they serve, but to the quality of life. To these men and women, it is much more than a job; It is a calling.”

Prior to the luncheon, the Rockwall Police Department recognized its Citizens On Patrol volunteers with awards for hours served last year.