Kiwanis honor first responders on 9/11

The Fulton Kiwanis Club payed tribute to emergency officials during its regular meeting Thursday afternoon. Back row, from left: Cpl. Jon Cluver with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Fulton Fire Chief Dean Buffington and Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers. Front row, from left: Kiwanis President Bruce Carpenter, Incoming President Brenna Gough and Callaway County Sheriff Dennis Crane.
The Fulton Kiwanis Club payed tribute to emergency officials during its regular meeting Thursday afternoon. Back row, from left: Cpl. Jon Cluver with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Fulton Fire Chief Dean Buffington and Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers. Front row, from left: Kiwanis President Bruce Carpenter, Incoming President Brenna Gough and Callaway County Sheriff Dennis Crane.

The Fulton Kiwanis Club used the 13th anniversary of 9/11 as an opportunity to say "thank you" to Callaway County emergency officials during the organization's regular meeting Thursday afternoon.

"I would like to personally recognize anybody with previous law enforcement, fire, ambulance or military experience," Fulton Kiwanis President Bruce Carpenter said during the gathering at Archie's in Fulton.

Carpenter then invited everyone present who had such experience to stand and share what their service had been. After a handful of individuals were recognized, he then asked everyone present to join hands and "Stand as one country, no matter what comes our way. ... May we always stand as one."

The meeting also included formal recognition of local law enforcement and first-responder agencies. Fulton Fire Chief Dean Buffington, Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers, Callaway County Sheriff Dennis Crane and Cpl. Jon Cluver with Troop F of the Missouri State Highway Patrol were present to accept certificates of appreciation on behalf of their agencies.

"I know often these gentlemen don't get thanks enough," incoming Kiwanis President Brenna Gough said. "We really appreciate the fact you men are in a position to protect us, and for your tireless dedication to the citizens of Callaway County.

Carpenter later echoed the need to offer thanks, especially in connection with the anniversary of 9/11.

"It's so something positive comes out of it, it brings us closer together," Carpenter said. "It reminds us to support people that sacrifice to support us."