Honoring Those Who Serve

"Honoring Those Who Serve" came as a request from District 6900 Governor Raymond Ray, Jr., and East Cobb Rotary has been more than happy to respond with invitations for attending club meetings and provision of acknowledgements (12% of club members directly involved). Recognition began at the club's annual Dog Days Run fundraiser on July 30, 2016 where Brigadier General Blackstock led those assembled in the national anthem just prior to serving as official starter for the race. At race's end Cobb County firefighters manned a water spraying fire truck for cooling runners down as they made the turn toward the finish line.

Our club has continued "Honoring Those Who Serve" by inviting Major Jerry Quan from the Cobb County Police Department East Cobb Precinct and Captain Todd Hendrickson from the Cobb County Fire Department serving the East Cobb area to attend a Rotary Club meeting every other month, be recognized for their service, and share current happenings from each department. In addition, East Cobb Rotary supported the nomination of Major Quan to be named as East Cobb Citizen of the Year, and he was selected for that honor.

First Responders' Quarterly Awards are another element of recognition this year. The police officer, fire fighter and/or EMT chosen by their respective departments are recognized each quarter at a club meeting with a certificate, gift card from a fine local restaurant, and engraving their name on a plaque at the East Cobb Government Service Center. District Governor Ray took part in the September 21, 2016 presentation, and one week later on September 28th our program speaker was Sam Heaton, Director of the Cobb County Department of Public Safety.

These recognition opportunities afford increased interaction among club members as citizens of Cobb County and the police and fire departments which give so much to the community.