Citizens Thank Local First Responders

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

Several citizens thanked local police officers, firefighters, and other first responders for their hard work, as the Vidalia Police Department, Vidalia Fire Department, first responders, and their families were invited for a barbecue dinner at the Vidalia Community Center on Thursday, October 2.

This annual event was first held in 2023, when Bernie Nelson, Bill Torrance, Matt Oxley, John Blewett, and Joel Thomas came together to host the “Barbecue For the Blue” as a way of showing appreciation to Vidalia police officers for the time and effort that they put into protecting the city and its citizens. During this event, officers and their families were invited to enjoy food and fellowship, while also testing their luck for a chance at winning several free door prizes with a total value of $625 that were made possible by several event sponsors.

“I just want to share our appreciation from the citizens of Vidalia’s standpoint. And as you can see from the businesses that sponsored this event, they agree. We all understand without you people, we are nothing. We need you people to stay in unity and protect the citizens of Vidalia. I just want to let you know that we appreciate you,” Nelson told the attendees at the first event.

Hurricane Helene relief efforts hindered the event from being held in 2024, but the dinner and night of fun returned in 2025, as Nelson and others worked to show all Vidalia first responders that their work and service were appreciated.

On October 2, Vidalia first responders and their families were treated to a barbecue dinner, complete with several guest speakers, a performance of “God Bless America,” and the issuance of several door prizes.

Nelson, Vidalia City Manager Josh Beck, and former Vidalia City Manager Bill Torrance each addressed the crowd, as they emphasized their gratitude for the protection and service of these men and women. Reverend Carl Wardlaw provided the invocation, and Jacquie McKay performed a tribute to all those who serve within the nation by singing “God Bless America.”

This event was sponsored by several local businesses and individuals, including Altamaha Bank & Trust, Peoples Bank, Handy Andy, Optim ENT, Mac Jordan, Kay and Jenny Stafford, Matt Oxley, Charlie Faulk, Vidalia Collision & Restoration, McLendon Enterprises, 10 Minute Lube, Sharpton Landscaping, Altamaha Veterinary Clinic, Webster Motor Company, Beckum Automotive, Ronald Hall, We Ar Arming America, Bryant & O’Connor Law Firm, Runway RV Resort, Vidalia Cornerstone Church, Tom Peterson Realty Co., Vidalia Federal Savings Bank, Cecil Thompson, Vidalia Carpet Center, Mr. Ed’s Cars, K & K Sales, Bill Torrance, AssuredPartners Vidalia, ServPro, Woody Folsom Dodge of Vidalia, Larry & Anne Sweat, The Advance, Elite Comfort Solutions, RadioJones LLC, Jane Collins, Bernie & Kris Nelson, and Oxley Dental.

The event is planned to continue annually for years to come, as citizens ensure that the public servants understand that their work is valued within the city.

HONORING FIRST RESPONDERS – On October 2, several citizens came together to host the annual Vidalia First Responders Dinner to thank several of the city’s public servants. (Shown) Event Organizer Bernie Nelson welcomes the first responders and their families to the event.Photo by Anna Nalley