PALM COAST, Fla. — A warm breakfast came with an even warmer message Saturday morning as St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church welcomed first responders from across Flagler County for an appreciation breakfast honoring those who serve the community every day.
The church invited law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel from Palm Coast, Flagler County, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell to gather for a meal and a simple but meaningful show of gratitude.
Church member Donna Calvani said approximately 70 first responders attended the breakfast, possibly even more.
“We invited all first responders, police, firefighters, EMTs, to come to an appreciation breakfast on behalf of our church,” Calvani said.
The event marked the first time St. Mark by the Sea hosted the appreciation breakfast, and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said gestures like it carry significance beyond the meal itself.
“St. Mark’s hosted an event just to thank first responders for their service, what they do in the community,” Staly said. “They did a really nice event just to say thank you.”
For Staly, the gathering also reflected something he has seen repeatedly during his time serving Flagler County — strong community support for the men and women working in public safety.
“Well, it’s important, not only for morale, but it just shows the community support that we have in this community,” Staly said. “I’ve said all along that this is a great community to serve because they support their first responders.”
That support, he said, extends across agencies and professions.
“This is just a unique community that really supports whether you’re a fireman, county law enforcement, police departments, firefighters, you name it,” Staly said. “This community supports. And we appreciate that.”
For the church volunteers who prepared and hosted the breakfast, the morning was an opportunity to recognize what first responders give to the community throughout the year. For those on the receiving end, Staly said knowing the community stands behind them can make a difference.
“I think our employees respond to that, because they know they’re supported by the community,” he said.
Saturday’s breakfast offered a reminder that community appreciation does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it looks like a room filled with neighbors, a shared meal and a heartfelt thank you for those who answer the call when they are needed most.
