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Decatur and Seminole County EMS and firefighters were treated to a cookout on Friday as part of National EMS Week.

The cookout, which was hosted by Grady Health Systems, was a way to give back and thank EMS personnel in the area who donate countless hours to their work, often giving up family time and holidays to help others on their worst days.

“After the past few years with COVID, we would like to make sure these providers know they are truly appreciated and thank them for all the work they do every day,” said Sara Williams, Business Engagement Coordinator for Grady Health Systems.

Williams said this is not the first year they have hosted a cookout for EMS week, as they often host a barbeque, but they like to go above and beyond during EMS week.

“We try to send them messages throughout the week to let them know how important they are, but this is our big event,” Williams said. “They are always there for everyone no matter what time of day or night. When they get that call for a chest pain, they are the first responders.”

In order to make this event special, various businesses around Decatur County donated gift cards and door prizes as part of a raffle for all the EMS workers.

Businesses that donated to the event were The Chic Peach, The Farmer’s Wife, Flint River Outfitters, Dairy Queen, The American, Stones, Envision Credit Union, Jones Meat Marker, West Side Bait and Tackle, Lake Seminole Outdoors, Bainbridge Pharmacy and Health Products and Yogurt Too.

Williams was excited to raffle off one of their biggest prizes, which was a gun. The gun was only available for full time EMS personnel who were present at the cookout.

Williams wanted to thank all those who donated, because she said she fully believes these men and women are so deserving, as they work night and day to help the citizens of Decatur, Seminole and Miller County.