Family members, first responders and guests gathered in NRG Center to recognize first responders for First Responders Day Monday, March 4.
On First Responders Day, first responders from all branches and their families are invited to attend a ceremony recognizing the First Responders of the Year and honoring the fallen first responders of 2019. First responders are also treated to a day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ and recognized at the Rodeo by riding in the Grand Entry on horseback and in wagons. “Everyone feels the desire to give back to the people who serve our community,” said Larry Schmidt, Armed Forces Appreciation Committee member.
The evening was started off with the presentation of the colors by the multi-agency color guard. First responder, Deputy Don Kimble, sang the National Anthem.
The names of the seven fallen were read by Police Chaplain Monte Montgomery and honored with a ring of the honor bell. The families of the fallen were recognized and the remembrance was concluded with the playing of Amazing Grace by bagpipes. Clay Stewart, Armed Forces Appreciation Committee member, recognized the First Responder of the Year recipients. These recipients were nominated for their acts of service during 2018.
The First Responders of the Year are Montgomery County Fire Chief Kevin Hosler; Harris County Constable Corporal David Mathieu; Corpus Christi Fire Department Chief Juan Perez and Firefighter Michael Macias; Fayette County Sheriff Deputy Terry Guentert; Harris County Sheriff deputies Jorge Reyes, David Thomas, Michael Robinson, Paul Boyd and Michael Moore; Santa Fe ISD Police Officer John Barnes and Assistant Chief Gary Forward.
Their acts of heroism ranged from saving an elderly person trapped in a burning building to stopping the Santa Fe ISD shooter.
Houston Mayor Sylvestor Turner officially declared March 4, 2019, as First Responders Day in Houston.
The Rodeo is thankful to these brave men and women who serve the community every day and proud to honor them at First Responders Day.