Honoring Jackson County First Responders

Whether it’s the police, EMS, the sheriff or fire departments, when an emergency strikes, first responders are ready for action in a moment’s notice. Tonight in Pascagoula, Keesler Federal Credit Union is honoring our local men and women in uniform who put their lives at risk for the sake of others.
When a disaster strikes, it typically catches us by surprise, but there’s one group of people who standby, ready for action when the moment arises: our first responders. Donald Alway,a special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi, said, “There really is no greater calling than those who are willing to sacrifice themselves for their fellow man”
In January, two Jackson County deputies became local heroes after being first on the scene to save the life of an infant who was choking to death, as her parents looked on helplessly.
That is just one example of why Keesler Federal Credit Union wanted to take time out to honor our Jackson County men and women in uniform for the second annual First Responders Appreciation Dinner. Financial service representative Samantha Bignell said,“In our community every single day, whether we call them or not, they are protecting us. We need them, they’re keeping everybody together, helping people and rescuing people who need it.”
For Bignell, making sure first responders are appreciated is something she takes to heart.“I’m married to one. My husband is a police officer and he works for Pascagoula. I understand firsthand the sacrifices, not only the first responders make, but their families. On a daily basis, they walk out the door and you don’t know if they’re coming home.”
In all, seven Jackson County men and women were surprised with the First Responder of the Year award.