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Assembly 2546 honors it's local heroes

Posted by flabuckeye on January 25 2010

On Saturday January 23rd, a small Lakeland assembly put on their best hearts, rolled up their sleeves and hosted an annual event to say thanks to their local police, firefighters and other first responders. Archbishop John Carroll Assembly 2546 has hosted this event for numerous years very successfully and the sir knights look forward to committing to such a fine event. Faithful Navigator Chuck Henry wasn't able to MC the event due to medical conditions, but Sir Knight Don Schluender lead the way to a most enjoyable evening.
Several members of the 60+ assembly sir knights all assisted to make the event special. There were those who went out to collect the names from five agencies, purchasing the food, food planning and preparing, room set-up, ordering and retrieving plaques, decorations, printing of agenda cards- not to mention the great work put into the honor guard.
Present were Polk County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Fire Fighters and Paramedics, Polk County EMS, City of Lakeland Police and City of Lakeland Fire Rescue, their families and friends. The event started as the honor guard presented the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. A brief introduction was made of the guests. Afterwards, followed by the pastor of the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church located at 3855 South Florida Avenue in South Lakeland Father Matthew Mello gave the invocation and blessing of the night and the meal.
As people were waiting for the main course, Brother Don explained to the audience who the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus were and how the assembly supported the church and local community. Dinner was served as was the drinks by sir knights dressed in their tuxedos. Dinner consisted of slow cooked, bacon wrapped; garlic clove inserted and seasoned pork loin, green bean almandine and fully loaded whipped potatoes in their shells.
After dinner, Father Matthew Mello was introduced as the keynote speaker. In his outstanding speech, Fr. Matt reminded each of us as to how lucky we are to live in a nation full of first responders as opposed to a nation like Haiti, who is currently experiencing a disaster. He mentioned how that nation's archbishop was killed in the earthquake, the vicar general also was found dead and the cathedral was reduced to rubble. The people of Haiti still pray, still hope and still believe even though they are experiencing a tremendous strain.
He stated that as part of clergy, he was a second responder and a first promoter. He was there to help the healing to give advice where to turn to for help, but usually wasn't contacted until after someone went to the hospital or to jail. As first responders, they had the task of seeing evil first hand; thus spiritual restoration and healing versus civil restoration. Our country is great to have services with a nation full of accidents, evilness and disasters. Most people do not think of those facing evilness or a time of sadness one minute and happiness the next. No one thinks of the families of those who are committed to help others in times of community emergencies. Fr. Matt thanked all who serves.
A plaque of thanks was given to Assistant Chief Wayne Snell of the Lakeland Fire Department and to Captain William Randy Harrison of the Lakeland Police Department for their involvement and cooperation in the night's events. A special thanks was given to the kitchen staff.
Awards were given to EMT / Paramedics Rachael Neal and Randy Cotto for spotting a fire and alerting the residence and local fire departments. thus saving lives and more property damage than what it was.
The next award was given to a man who started as a Polk County Detention Deputy, move to the Auburndale Police Department as a patrol officer and later wound up as a detective for the Lakeland Police Department. He was assigned to locate a missing elderly woman who was eventually found murdered. After an extensive investigation, Detective Tarver located the person directly involved in a plot to steal the woman's identity, money and her life.
County Firefighter Brandi Duncan, who is married, has kids basically "adopted" a troubled preteen. She took him to the station and everywhere she could to teach him better morale and values - to show him that there was a better world put there if he was only willing to change and see. Today, his family admits that he is a better citizen and family member thanks to Brandi's efforts.
The next recipient was an officer who started as a detention deputy for Polk County - moved to Hillsborough County as a detention deputy and wound up on the streets as a Polk County Deputy. He is an ex-Marine and Coast Guard vet. Detective Case responded to a call where a man tried to hang himself and Detective Case found the man in time- gave him CPR and saved the man's life.
Lastly, Fire fighter / Paramedic Belaverick and Colon Leady responded to a call where a person riding a lawn mower had tipped over into a pond nearly drowning the stranded driver. Rescue attempts and CPR proved to save the person's life.
Father Matt concluded the evening with a final prayer and pictures of the heroes were then taken.