The Knights of Columbus hosted a luncheon for First Responders in Dallas County on Monday at the Carl. C. Morgan Convention Center.

Members of the Selma Fire Department, Dallas County’s Sheriff’s Office, Selma Police Department and the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency attended the luncheon.

Dallas County Probate Judge-elect and city Attorney Jimmy Nunn, Selma City councilmen Sam Randolph and John Leashore and councilwoman Jannie Thomas and Selma Housing Authority Executive Director Kennard Randolph also attended.

Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Corey Bowie, also the city council President, said the event was a way of thanking the local law enforcement.

“We wanted to show the first responders we appreciate them,” Bowie said. “It’s a project we’ve been working on for the last year. We wanted to thank them for putting their lives on the line for us.”

Selma Fire Chief Toney Stevens praised the Knights of Columbus for their heartfelt gesture.

“This is outstanding and something that was needed and appreciated,” Stevens said. “There’s no value you can put on law enforcement and the fire department for putting their lives on the line.”

The word appreciation also was used by Dallas County Sheriff Office Investigator John Strickland and SPD Captain John King.

“It’s very nice to be appreciated by your community and the Knights of Columbus,” Strickland said. “With everything that’s going on in the city, this is a breath of fresh air.”

“It feels great to be appreciated,” King said.

Jeff Simmers, a volunteer firefighter at the Valley Grande Fire Department, said he was glad to see attention given to first responders. He also drives an ambulance.

“It’s nice to have people think about us,” Simmers said. “I appreciate it. A lot of times people forget about us.”

Dallas County EMA Director Toya Stiles was also grateful to the Knights of Columbus.

“I would like to thank President Bowie and the Knights of Columbus for the invite,” Stiles said. “ Thank you again for all the preparation that went into hosting the first responders luncheon.”