ST. GEORGE — A “Salute to America” event Thursday honored the hundreds of firefighters who serve in four fire departments across Washington County.
“I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man than a fire engine,” American novelist Kurt Vonnegut once said. And many firefighters arrived at the Courtyard Marriott for the event by way of these trademark fire engines.
The “Salute to America” started at 11:30 a.m. in St. George to celebrate a day of patriotism and to honor the firefighters who dedicate their lives to helping others in their time of need. The annual event was hosted by the St. George and Hurricane Chambers of Commerce and was sponsored by Black Desert Resort.
The conference room was packed for the sold-out luncheon in appreciation for those serving in fire departments in St. George, Washington City, Hurricane and Santa Clara-Ivins.
St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker also addressed the crowd by commending the level of excellence and professionalism demonstrated by the firefighters working in St. George.
“We’re lucky to have not only one of the best fire services in the county but also the state,” he said.
The chief went on to say a great deal of support and cooperation exists between all of the fire departments throughout the county. They work together to serve all of the citizens, and with the dramatic growth taking place across the region, it is the collaboration and support that exists between the departments in Southern Utah that is more important now than ever.
This level of collaboration and dedicated service to the community also serves as an example for other counties throughout the state.
“It doesn’t matter what patch is on your shoulder or what name is on the door of your truck — we’re there for our citizens — whether they live in our community or in other communities,” Stoker added.
Washington City Fire Chief Matt Evans agreed, saying that realistically, there is no agency or municipality that can staff enough to handle every emergency that can come their way. But with the relationships and support that exists between the various agencies and the dedicated personnel each department is staffed with, he said, even the larger incidents can be handled.
“I personally appreciate our firefighters working throughout the entire county,” Evans said, adding it was the firefighters out working on the front lines that deserve to be commended, and their dedication to the community is “second to none.”
Several firefighters from the Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Department were in attendance, including Fire Chief Andrew Parker.
The Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives Brad Wilson was the keynote speaker and started by applauding the efforts of the firefighters who serve throughout Southern Utah. He said this can be “a thankless job, and a difficult job,” but still they serve selflessly in spite of that.
“Thank you for your selflessness in all that you do,” Wilson added.
He went on to say it was the strong sense of community that permeates throughout Southern Utah that makes the region such a unique place to live, which is demonstrated by the way in which the many fire departments work together to respond when disaster strikes.
Wilson referred to the heroic efforts of the firefighters who responded during the 911 attacks; “The firefighters were running into the building while everyone else was running in the opposite direction.”
July is a month of celebration in Utah, first with the fourth of July, which is the celebration of America, he said, followed by Pioneer Day, which honors the efforts and the sacrifices made by those who settled here.
He said despite living in this country at a time when some believe there is shame in being an American, “I’m here to tell you they are dead wrong. It is something to be exceptionally proud of and something we should work exceptionally hard to protect.”
The event also served as a fundraiser and the proceeds raised would be used to provide each of the fire stations with StatPack EMS bags that are designed to maximize storage and organization of the medical products and equipment so they are readily available and enhance reaction time for responders working at a scene.
StatPack, which is based in Washington City and creates and designs a number of products, including a backpack made of reflective material. It features a protective outer mesh cover that can extend the life of the pack that has a side handle, as well as an advanced harness system so it can be worn as a backpack.
Referring to the event’s theme — “Salute to America” — Wilson said this country is the land of freedom, sacrifice and opportunity — “and there’s no better representation of that than being a first responder and making an impact in our communities.”
Marine Corps League Detachment 1270, members of American Legion Post 142 and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Honor Guard participated in the presenting of colors, and all branches of the military were represented.
Editor’s Note: StatPack is located in Washington City, not St. George as was previously reported.
Photo gallery
Hundreds gather for the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Hundreds gather for the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Hundreds gather for the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Hundreds gather for the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Hundreds gather for the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Chief Matt Evans with the Washington City Fire Department speaks during Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Washington City Fire Department engine in front of Courtyard Marriott where an annual Salute to America luncheon is held to honor those serving in four fire departments throughout Washington County, St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Retired military members of the American Legion Post 142 participates in the Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Hundreds gather for the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Hundreds gather for the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News "StatPack" EMS bags on display during the Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News St. George Fire Chief Robert Stoker speaks during annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, Brad Wilson, is keynote speaker during the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News Honor Guard representing all branches of the military presents colors during the annual Salute to America luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, July 13, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News 
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