On Saturday, September 26, the Rev. George L. Fox Memorial Chapel & Museum welcomed first responders from across the region for our first First Responder Appreciation Ceremony.
The purpose of the day was simple: to say thank you.
First responders are there for our communities when we need them most. They never know when the call will come or what they will face when they arrive. Yet when the call comes, they answer.
That spirit of service has special meaning at the Rev. George L. Fox Memorial Chapel & Museum.
“Service Before Self” is at the heart of our mission. On Saturday, those words connected the legacy honored within our chapel with the people who continue to serve our communities today.
A Morning of Gratitude
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Chapel Chairman Bob Rice, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance. Lisa Bechok then sang the National Anthem.
Lisa Bechok sings the National Anthem during the First Responder Appreciation Ceremony.
Chapel Board Chairman Bob Rice offers a tribute to the courage, compassion and service of area first responders during the first First Responder Appreciation Ceremony.
Reverend Piper led a responsive reading that captured the meaning of the day:
“We have gathered to give thanks for those who run toward danger so that others might live in safety.”
After a moment of reflection, Bob Rice offered a tribute to the courage, compassion and service of our first responders.
The Rev. George L. Fox Memorial Chapel & Museum preserves the legacy of the Four Chaplains and their example of service before self.
Recognizing Our First Responders
We were honored to recognize representatives from Concord Fire Department, Lunenburg Fire Department, Dalton Fire Department, Whitefield Fire Department, Grafton County Dispatch, Lunenburg Rescue, Twin Mountain Fire Department, Beecher Falls Fire Department and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.
Fox granddaughters Lisa Hirbour and Susan Fisk present an appreciation medallion during the Chapel’s first First Responder Appreciation Ceremony.
One representative from each department or agency received a special appreciation medallion on behalf of their unit.
First responders from across the region were recognized for their courage, compassion and service to their communities.
Rev. George L. Fox’s granddaughters, Lisa Hirbour and Susan Fisk, had the honor of presenting the medallions.
For our family, this was an especially meaningful part of the day.
The Chapel exists not only to preserve the past, but also to keep alive the values represented by Rev. Fox’s life. Honoring people in our own communities who dedicate themselves to serving others is one way we can continue that mission.
Service Before Self
Each participating department and agency received an appreciation medallion as a lasting expression of gratitude for its service.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer and blessing led by Reverend Piper. A special “Thank You First Responder” tribute followed.
After the ceremony, first responders and guests gathered for lunch and ice cream. Guests could also tour the chapel and museum, view the emergency vehicles outside, and spend time together.
That time together was an important part of the day. The ceremony provided formal recognition, while the gathering afterward offered something equally valuable: community.
It gave us a chance to meet, talk and thank some of the people behind the uniforms.
Thank You for Answering the Call
To every first responder who joined us Saturday, thank you.
We also thank those who could not attend because they were working, on call or serving elsewhere.
Thank you for the late nights, interrupted meals, missed family time and countless hours of training. When the alarm sounds, you go. And when neighbors are experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, you are there to help.
Most of all, thank you for answering the call.
We hope our first First Responder Appreciation Ceremony is only the beginning of a tradition at the Rev. George L. Fox Memorial Chapel & Museum.
Service Before Self.
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