The Partners in Public Service Luncheon is the official name of the celebration held on Friday, October 17, 2014 at Lake Lanier’s Buford Dam Park.
This annual BBQ is held in honor of the men and women who risk their lives to keep the lake safe and who respond whenever there is trouble.
I prefer to call it The Heroes’ Picnic.
Two gentlemen from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Lanier were instrumental in organizing this year’s event: Operations Project Manager for Lake Lanier Tim Rainey and Natural Resource Manager Nick Baggett.
Firefighters, police, local sheriffs and state police whose beat includes Lake Lanier were treated to Sonny’s BBQ with all the fixin’s. Search and rescue personnel, EMTs, rangers and other public servants who were able to join with their peers for an hour or so on the lake were reason for the get-together.
As Tim and Nick always say to them, “It’s all about you today! We’re here to say thanks!”
At first I thought it was unfortunate there were so many empty seats. Then it struck me that they represented servants who were doing their duty and couldn’t stop — even for a free meal and a well-deserved word of gratitude.
At least we saw a few of the folks who will come to our rescue, should we ever need their skilled assistance.
We had the most perfect weather for this lakeside luncheon.
The combined efforts of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, and those from Gwinnett and Dawson counties, along with the Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Cumming/Forsyth County Chamber made everything work smoothly.
The Atlanta Sail & Power Squadron helped the US Army Corps of Engineers as well.
One day a year isn’t enough, frankly. The next time you see a law enforcement official, an EMT or a park ranger, tell them we said thanks for their dedication and service. They deserve it.
Three agencies were honored with plaques and framed flags of the United States of America because of their extra-ordinary responses to special emergencies on Lake Lanier.
Tim Rainey called them to the stage, read a message of thanks, shook their hands and said what the millions of visitors to our beloved lake would say if they had the chance:
“Thanks for spending your lives to make our lives more safe on Lake Lanier.”
