By Christopher Edmunds 

The Selma Times-Journal 

 

First responders were treated to a fresh catered meal Thursday in appreciation for their tireless work in the community.

The Good to Go food truck catered the event and was provided by Wind Creek Hospitality, a community service branch of Wind Creek Casino.

Chef Paul Norton said the meal is a way to say thank you to first responders in the area.

“We’re here to reach out to the different communities and to give back to first responders for the hard work that they do,” Norton said.

The Good to Go food truck travels throughout the state, providing meals for fire fighters and EMS professionals. The truck has already visited Mobile and Tuskegee. Next on the list is Hoover.

Norton said he tries to use as much local produce as possible in the meals provided by the food truck, and at its core, the Good to Go truck is all about the communities.

“The truck itself never makes a penny,” Norton said. “All the money goes back into the community in one way or another.”

The meal served to the first responders gathered at the Selma Fire Department featured blackened beef tips over wild rice, roasted vegetables and pecan pie.

Selma Fire Chief Michael Stokes said he was happy to host the food truck and see people give back to first responders because of how difficult the work is.

“Heck, we’re firefighters. We’re not going to turn down a free meal,” Stokes said. “Seriously, though, it means a lot to see people saying thanks. Our line of work is pretty brutal. Responding to a house fire is equal to about eight hours of hard labor.”

Jamie Lee, area supervisor for Care Ambulance, said even the small gestures of gratitude mean a lot.

“Stuff like they’re doing today, just to say thank you, makes our job worthwhile,” Lee said.

Wind Creek Hospitality served meals to nearly 50 firefighters and EMS professionals, as well as city leaders in attendance.

Selma Mayor George Evans said it was nice to see people caring for local first responders.

“These guys put their lives on the line all the time,” Evans said. “I think it’s remarkable that people can give back and serve the community.”