Lincoln County firefighters want to thank the community for allowing them to serve.

The Lincoln County Firefighters Association is partnering with area volunteer fire departments and King’s Daughters Medical Center to host a first responders fun day at the Walmart parking lot on Brookway Boulevard, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  The event is free to the public, food and beverages will be available for purchase.

“I’m excited to put it on, I’m hoping that the communities and the people of Lincoln county are appreciative for everything we do,” said Joe Honea, president of the LCFA.  “It’s to say ‘thank you’ to the public for allowing us to serve.”

All county volunteer fire departments will be at the event today at Walmart parking lot.  These include Bogue Chitto, Hog Chain, New Sight, Loyd Star, Zetus, Heucks Retreat, Ruth and East Lincoln.

The event was held in years prior, but Honea wanted to start it again after becoming the president of the association.  At that time, the event only consisted of the volunteer fire departments and KDMC.

It now includes the police department, sheriff’s department, and the highway patrol.  Mississippi Blood Services and Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will  be at the event as well.

Law enforcement vehicles will be available to view and take pictures with.  There will be inflatable jumps for children to enjoy.

Sparky the Fire Dog and Darian the Lion will be available for questions and pictures.  Firefighters will demonstrate the use of extraction devices to remove victims from automobiles, with cars donated by Porter’s Body Shop.

“It’s just to show the community what we do and let the kids see the vehicles and everything,” Honea said.  “It’s to let everyone have a good day and see what we’re like.”

Story by Gracie Byrne