TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- First responders gathered in Tallahassee Thursday for an appreciation lunch.
The 14th annual luncheon was held in a year with much more national and local attention focused on law enforcement.
There were hundreds of first responders there from all across north Florida. The luncheon was held to honor the brave men and women who lay their lives on the line every time they put on their uniforms.
This all comes after a year that included national scrutiny against law enforcement, a university shooting, and the death of a sheriff's deputy in our own backyard. The luncheon held a moment of silence for Deputy Christopher Smith who was gunned down, back in 2014.
"This is a trying time to be a first responder now. Especially a police officer", said Wakulla County Sheriff Charlie Creel. "There are people that have taken it upon themselves to dislike police officers. And to cause them harm or death. And it's important to bring all the first responders together."
Bringing them together to help shine some positive light and counteract some of the negative stereotypes first responders may come across.
"There's always negative and positive things that come about with any section of the community", said Lt. of Special Operations Justin Maloy. "But we try to stay as positive as possible and try to build on those positives. And not be brought down by bad ideas or people who may be targeting us or other things like that."
"We're all brothers", said Creel. "Bring everybody together to have lunch, fellowship, and meet new friends and network. And it's important to show solidarity among all of us."
Governor Rick Scott, who was in attendance at the event, commended the work of the first responders and said on behalf of all who live in Florida, he appreciates everything the first responders do.
