SJFD honors retirees at IAFF Local 77 banquet

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- On Saturday, the St. Joseph Fire Department will be hosting its annual IAFF Local 77 retirees and award banquet.

The banquet will honor 150 firefighters for their outstanding acts in the community. While it is invitation-only, all retirees are welcome to attend.

Those who wish to make a reservation should call or text 816-261-4700 or leave a message at 816-558-6541.

Jamey McVicker, assistant fire chief, said it's a fun event and it's nice to give everyone recognition for their hard work.

"These men and women give everything they have to this community, and for us to be able to recognize them means the world to us," McVicker said. "And for us to be able to recognize them means the world to us.  So we want them to make sure that they know that they're appreciated by not just the employers of the city, but it's community," he said.

McVicker expressed the importance of honoring SJFD firefighters and retirees.

"Just the simple acknowledgment of, 'You did a good job,' means so much more than really any monetary value," McVicker said.  "We all have that personal inner pride, and to be recognized, we want to make sure that we're fulfilling that need of our firefighters," he said.

McVicker said he looks forward to celebrating with the entire SJFD crew and hopes retirees make their reservation.