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CAWACO RC&D

Improving Communities in Central Alabama

Serving Those Who Serve: Shelby County Cookout

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The sun was shining for the Back the Blue Cookout in Shelby County!

Group of officials and first responders posing with large ceremonial check made out to 'Back the Blue' for $25,000 from Cawaco RC&D, standing next to Alabama Association of RC&D Councils banner at outdoor event
L-R: Chief Chris Miller, Helena Fire Dept; Brandon Krutsch, Alabaster police dept; Sheriff John Samaniego, Shelby County Sheriff’s Dept; JOsh Minor, ALabaster Fire Dept; Sen. Dan Roberts; Thomas Nordyke, Shelby COunty Sheriff’s Dept; Rep. Russell Bedsole; Herb Stevenson, Alabama Forestry Association; Rep. Leigh Hulsey; Cheif Tim Love, Alabaster Fire Dept

The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils and the Alabama Forestry Association partnered with the Rep. Russell Bedsole to host a cookout at Patriot Park in Alabaster, AL.

  • Volunteer in cap and sunglasses tending to large black smoker grill with thick white smoke billowing out during outdoor cookout event
  • Alabama Forestry Association volunteers in matching navy 'Forestry Supports First Responders' shirts grilling hamburgers at outdoor serving station with smoke visible in background
  • Two volunteers in matching navy shirts with disposable gloves preparing food at serving table under white tent, with Alabama Association of RC&D Councils banner displayed beside them
  • Sen. Dan Roberts in dress shirt and red tie speaking with volunteer in 'Forestry Supports First Responders' shirt at outdoor pavilion during cookout event
  • Volunteer preparing rows of brown paper lunch bags on tables under white tent with 'Thank You First Responders' banner, with grills smoking in background at outdoor event

AFA was cooking up burgers and hot dogs for first responders to grab on their lunch break. Around 120 firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel from the Alabaster-Helena area came out to enjoy a meal and the company of their peers.

  • Two uniformed emergency responders with radios and equipment posing together outdoors with arms around each other's shoulders, smiling at camera
  • Police officers in uniform sitting at picnic tables eating lunch and other attendees mingling throughout the covered area.
  • First responders and community members socializing at outdoor pavilion during appreciation cookout, with two uniformed officers embracing in foreground while others sit at picnic tables eating lunch
  • our firefighters in navy uniform shirts enjoying lunch at covered pavilion table with brown bag meals, water bottles, and soft drinks
  • First responders in uniform sitting around picnic tables under a covered pavilion, eating lunch with aluminum foil-wrapped food, drinks, and condiments spread across the tables.
  • Sheriff's deputy standing and talking with seated first responders at a picnic table, with a colorful playground structure visible behind them in the park setting
  • Group of first responders and community members socializing around picnic tables under a pavilion, with some standing and others seated, sharing a meal together.
  • Wide view of a stone and wood pavilion filled with first responders and community members gathering for an outdoor meal, with a playground visible in the background.

“We couldn’t be happier to be here today to provide them with a lunch while they’re out serving us,” said Bedsole. “It’s a great day to be here, and thank y’all for being here to be a part of it.”

  • Rep. Russell Bedsole speaks with two uniformed officers. A shaded pavilion, a playground, and tennis courts are visible in the background
    Rep. Russell Bedsole chatting with officers as the cookout kicked off
  • Rep. Leigh Hulsey chats with a police officer
  • Rep. Kenneth Paschal leans over a table full of first responders, chatting and laughing
    Rep. Kenneth Paschal chatting with first responders as they wrap up their lunch
  • Volunteers smile and talk with Rep. Russell Bedsole at a lunch station. Brown paper bag lunches are visible on the table.
    Rep. Russell Bedsole laughing with volunteers from AFA
  • A police officer in uniform and Rep. Leigh Hulsey laugh together, standing in front of a brick wall.
    Helena Fire Chief Chris Miller and Rep. Leigh Hulsey
  • Sen. Dan Roberts speaking with volunteer in 'Forestry Supports First Responders' shirt at outdoor pavilion during cookout event
    Sen. Dan Roberts chats with Anna Morgan from AFA
  • Rep. Leigh Hulsey and Rep. Kenneth Paschal speak to a group of uniformed officers under a shaded pavilion
    Rep. Leigh Hulsey and Rep. Kenneth Paschal chatting with Alabaster firefighters
  • Rep. Kenneth Paschal, Rep. Leigh Hulsey, and Rep. Russell Bedsole pose next to an Alabama RC&D sponsorship banner
    Rep. Kenneth Paschal, Rep. Leigh Hulsey, and Rep. Russell Bedsole

Events like this reflect Cawaco RC&D’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve our community.