Lessons on the events of Sept. 11, 2001, inspired students at Sears Youth Center to find a way to honor first responders.
The students made and delivered wooden flags to eight area departments, each a little different to represent the agency receiving the gift.
“Leading up to this event, our youth studied the events that took place on 9-11 and how each department played a role and the impact that each service/department provided in getting through such a devastating time in our country,” shared facility manager Mike Burchard.
It gave students a strong motivation to do something to give back, he said.
“During the process of delivering flags, each department welcomed the youth with open arms and were very appreciative of the gifts given,” he said. “The youth ended the day by talking about the impact that the day had when being able to present to our local heroes.”
Flags were gifted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler County Sheriff’s Department, Poplar Bluff Police Department, Poplar Bluff Fire Station 1, Butler County EMS, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, U.S. Army Recruiter Office and the National Guard Armory.
Present for each photo
• MSHP — Capt. Jason Culver, Lt. Amy Beaton, Sgt. Brad Haggett
• Butler County Sheriff’s Department — Chief Deputy Wes Popp, Jerome Brotz, Eddie Holloway, Mike McMeans, Dakota Loggins
• PBPD — Alex Stroder
• PBFD Station 1 — Firefighters Austin Armes, Chad Bell and Mykel Limamen, and Chief Mike Moffitt
• Butler County EMS — B. Fugate, E. Callahan, A. Strickland, T. Stoutt, J. Daughetee, K. Crumsky, J. Kaepfe, K. Bahner, M. Cochran, K. Dorris, L. Helton, D. Pappas, C. Pietrofere, K. Gilmore, D. Rhodes, S. Pressler, M. Bass, D. Ross
• VA — Dale Garrett, Kimbery Adkins, Mason Still
• National Guard Armory — Robert Norton, Sgt. William Barber, Jeffery Johnson
• Sears Youth Center youth — Timothy B., Logan W., Eddie L., Da’Parion D.
• Sears Youth Center employees — Burchard; Rodney Kennedy, assistant manager; Brian Hicks, assistant regional administrator; Ron Dixon, vocational education instructor; Curtis Vaughn, assistant regional administrator; and Paula Shaw, regional administrator.