By Wes Wade, The Daily Times —
A Maryville business is hosting an appreciation event for police and first responders, and has invited the community to attend the free gathering.
Hosted by Vanquish Worldwide, the event will take place Friday, June 19, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will be held at Vanquish Worldwide Headquarters, 235 S. Old Glory Road, Maryville.
Dawn White, Vanquish Worldwide sales and marketing manager, said the appreciation event will be held to honor area first responders, including police, fire and EMT personnel.
The appreciation gathering is the brainchild of Vanquish Worldwide President and CEO Eric Barton, a former U.S. Marine.
White said Barton called her one day and decided to hold the “Honoring our Heroes” event to combat recent negativity in the press concerning law enforcement.
“After seeing all the negative press against law enforcement around the country over the last eight months, I wanted to highlight the good work that they do and the sacrifice that they make for our safety,” Barton said in a news release. “We expanded the event from just law enforcement to fire and EMT personnel since they all deserve great respect and appreciation. I appreciate all of their daily sacrifices.”
White said Vanquish Worldwide has sent personal invitations to police and other first responders in eight surrounding counties.
The Honoring our Heroes event will feature live music from Knoxville-based southern rock group Homemade Wine. Door prizes, food and refreshments will also be on-hand. Inflatables and face painting will be offered for children.
U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan and Maryville Police and Fire Chief Tony Crisp will serve as guest speakers for the event. The recognition ceremony, which will include addresses from Duncan and Crisp, will begin at 4 p.m.
Dead End BBQ will be catering the event. Those who would like to attend can RSVP by visiting www.eventbrite.com/e/honoring-our-heroes-appreciation-event-tickets-17140759473.
Vanquish Worldwide was started by Barton in 2007 as a government contracting provider. Currently Vanquish provides transportation, security services, facility support, vehicle maintenance and operational support in the Middle East and across the U.S.
Find the story online at: http://www.thedailytimes.com/news/maryville-business-hosting-appreciation-day-for-police-emergency-workers/article_f2aaa27d-f5af-56d1-9d2a-b6729e145e18.html