Local officials, first responders toasted Tuesday

By Rick Kennedy, managing editor
As they’ve done the past few years throughout the month of November, the Hope Kiwanis Club wrapped up a series of community salutes with its “Public Service” luncheon on Tuesday.
The keynote speaker was a public servant himself, District 3 State Representative Danny Watson, who was recently reelected for a second term in the Arkansas State Legislature, but who also has a long history of public service including serving on the Hope school board and Hempstead County Quorum Court.
Watson’s speech focused on thanking public servants like first responders, and he outlined a number of national holidays and celebrations that honor fire fighters and police officers.
“I consider this an extension of Thanksgiving; we are thankful to have these dedicated people serve as first responders. They go in harm’s way, when others are running away,” Watson said.
The luncheon was attended by an ambulance team from Pafford EMS as well as several county officials like County Judge Haskell Morse, County Treasurer Judy Flowers, and County Assessor Kim Smith.
Representing the City of Hope were several police officers including Police Chief JR Wilson, and Hope Vice-Mayor Don Still, City Board members Mark Ross and Trevor Coffee, and City Manager Catherine Cook were also in attendance.
Over November, the Hope Kiwanis has either sponsored or co-sponsored a series of consecutive luncheons honoring local Veterans, Ministers, and Farmers.