‘To show our gratitude’
Franklin County, News, Top News Stories FRONT PAGE, Z - News Main, Z - TOP HOME
 By  María Camp Published 
4:24 pm Friday, September 10, 2021

‘To show our gratitude’

Rep. Jamie Kiel, Sen. Larry Stutts and the Alabama Forestry Association hosted a Back the Blue event to thank first responders and show their appreciation with free hotdogs and hamburgers at the A.W. Todd Centre Sept. 1.

Employees from Alabama Farm Credit did the grilling. First responders from Franklin, Lauderdale and Colbert counties attended the event.

“They always work hard, but especially during the pandemic, they’ve had a lot of extra stress, and we just wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for they do,” explained Kiel. “This is just a small expression of that gratitude.”

“We’re very appreciative of all the first responders and the work they do each and every day,” agreed Russellville Mayor David Grissom.

“What a success this Back the Blue event has been in Russellville, serving almost 300 first responders,” said Anna Morgan Duke, grassroots coordinator of the Alabama Forestry Association. “AFA enjoyed getting to meet, serve and thank these hardworking people who work so diligently for all of us every day.”

“We’re thankful for all the first responders,” added Sen. Larry Stutts, “and glad to do something to help show our gratitude.

Also on Franklin County Times
Dowdy sentencing delayed due to medical emergency
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The sentencing of Brandy Dowdy will have to wait until another day after her defense attorney suffered a “medical emergency” on Tuesday...
Legislative session opens Jan. 13; Kiel prefiles 2 bills
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE -- State Rep. Jamie Kiel has prefiled two bills ahead of the 2026 Alabama legislative session. The bills, which will be considered when l...
Hollimon reflects on 40 years in education
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dr. Deanna Hollimon always felt she was called to be an educator. After 40 years as a teacher, reading coach, administrator and educati...
Firefighters train for vehicle rescues
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters trained last week on how to stabilize overturned vehicles and remove trapped occupants. Fire Chief Joe Mansell said t...
Neighbors helping neighbors, one soda pop tab at a time
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
January 7, 2026
Most people don’t think twice about the small aluminum tab on top of a soda can. But those tiny pieces of metal have quietly helped families stay clos...
2025: A year of results for Alabama families
Columnists, Opinion
January 7, 2026
The past year has certainly been a memorable one — and, more importantly, a rewarding one. Beginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through t...
Author’s collapse was motivation for comeback
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
When Pete Key collapsed on the bathroom floor in 2024, it didn’t feel like a turning point. It felt like an ending. He had been sick for days — dehydr...
Phil Campbell’s Elliott hits 1,000th career point
High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
The Phil Campbell Bobcats kicked off the 2026 calendar year in style Saturday night, securing a decisive 54-37 victory over the visiting Belgreen Bull...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *