Sunday’s “Local Heroes Day” at Quitman’s Sunday Market in the Park brought out a great crowd as members of area law enforcement agencies and firefighters were honored.

After an opening half-hour of music from “The Contractors,” the program turned to the introduction of those being honored.

Event coordinator Illa Wisdom was pleased with the results. “It was just so wonderful to see the camaraderie among the law enforcement groups and the firefighters. It was such a feeling of pride and the appreciation for the officers and the community support,” Wisdom noted. “It felt good to see them all there in uniform. It was especially great for the kids. So many were thrilled to see the fire trucks and police vehicles. And the way the officers and firefighters took the time to spend with the children was amazing. When we started Sunday Market, it was our hope to bring the community closer together one Sunday at a time and I think we accomplished that.”

Wisdom and P.J. Kalinak are the two driving engines behind Sunday Market in the Park.

Quitman Police Department was first up and Chief John Farmer introduced his officers. “Thank all of y’all for your support, we really appreciate you backing us,” Farmer said.

New Quitman officer Kevin Atkinson added, “I actually quit law enforcement for a while, but I got back into it recently and seeing everybody here shows me I made the right choice, so thanks again to all of you.”

Wood County Sheriff Kelly Cole spoke briefly and introduced the several county officers who were at the event. “My name is Kelly Cole and I am nobody. These people coming up I am about to introduce are somebody. They are Wood County Sheriff’s Department officers. Deputies, city police officers, EMT personnel and firefighters are all important,” Cole shared. 

Cole then brought law enforcement officers from various county departments to the stage. “These folks here from Quitman, Mineola, Winnsboro, the constable from the Mineola area are represented. These agencies are all the backbone to each other who work together with each other. That’s the key thing here, working together,” Cole said. “From the constable’s office (Precinct 2 Kelly Smith) with Canine Officer Mata to the Winnsboro PD, we go there and they will come to us when we all need help. We are all always working together and I think that is what you have to do to be successful. It’s all of us, law enforcement and firefighters, working together which makes a difference here in Wood County.”

Cole said a prayer for all the first responders and residents of the county.

After the introductions and recognitions, several people came forward to speak. One was a retired veteran from the Garland Fire Dept., Greg Wyrem, originally from Poland. “I came here in 1982. I wanted to be a fireman, but they said no, you have to be an American citizen first. I took many jobs, anything legal and moral,” Wyrem explained. “In 1987 I became an American citizen and applied in many cities to be a fireman. I was fortunate to hear from the City of Garland. I spent 28 years with the Garland department. It was a wonderful job and a blessing to be able to do it. God bless you all and God bless the United States of America.”

Wisdom closed the program with a few remarks. “I am just grateful we are in a country where we can do this type of program. I am proud we are free and it wouldn’t be that way if it weren’t for all of you first responders,” Wisdom asserted. “This had been a great start and hopefully this event is the start; there is always a first time for everything. We hope to be bigger and better next year, and in the years to come. We love you!”