The East Ridge Optimist Club hosted its annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor at East Ridge Fire Rescue, bringing together community members, first responders, city employees, and elected officials to remember those lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the first responders who serve East Ridge today.
Sergeant Stephen Rhudy was honored as the Police Officer of the Year, and Lt. Joshua Williams was honored as Firefighter of the Year.
Rhudy and Williams were recognized for their individual contributions to their respective departments, as well as their bravery during a major apartment fire in East Ridge, where their actions helped protect residents and prevent further loss.
Lieutenant Governor Ginger Howard addressed the gathering, honoring the lives lost on September 11 and the first responders who ran toward danger that day.
“Today we pause to remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001 — mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and colleagues whose absence is still felt twenty-five years later,” Howard said. “We honor the courage of the firefighters, police officers, and first responders who ran toward danger when others ran away, and we recommit ourselves to never forgetting their sacrifice.”
James L. C. Meyers, Club Treasurer, served as keynote speaker, reflecting on the courage and calling of first responders.
“I know that many first responders do not see themselves as heroes,” said Meyers. “They are just men and women who choose, every day, to show up where help is needed because that’s the job. But never forget that when you head into the storm, you carry something far greater than any human understanding with you. You carry hope.”
The annual luncheon reflects one of the East Ridge Optimist Club’s core tenets: Respect for Law Enforcement. It is also part of the club’s ongoing effort to recognize and support those who serve the community.
The luncheon was made possible through the club’s annual Boooo-B-Que fundraiser, which helps fund community programs and service projects throughout the year. Boooo-B-Que orders are currently being accepted at www.eastridgeoptimistclub.org/booo-b-que.
