Milton First Responders Foundation Feeds Local Families

MILTON, GA — Right now, frontline police and fire personnel are facing an additional threat to their health and lives while they keep communities safe. In addition to the normal risks and job stress, they also worry about bringing potential exposure to COVID-19 home to their families, after spending time with the public.

The Milton First Responders Foundation mission is to support local first responders and their families, and coronavirus has brought its own unique challenges. Since its establishment in 2015, Milton First Responders Foundation has provided assistance to first responders in times of financial need, such as when they are injured on the job, sponsored community outreach programs and purchased specialty equipment and training to keep them safe while they serve the public.

From April 20-22, Milton First Responders Foundation supported Milton first responders and their families by providing a night off from dinner prep. In cooperation with long-time community partner, Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, Milton First Responders Foundation was able to provide meals for every Milton first responder family. The team at Olde Blind Dog came up with family meal kit options that could be packed at the restaurant and distributed to first responders at the end of their shifts.

“Olde Blind Dog and The Crabapple Market have been long time financial supporters of Milton First Responders Foundation," Brian Dolan, chair of the Milton First Responders Foundation said. "Through this initiative, Milton First Responders Foundation was able to support a local establishment while providing a much-needed break to our heroes on the front lines.”

“The support that our police and fire departments have received these last few weeks from the Milton First Responders Foundation has been tremendous," Mayor Joe Lockwood said. "Milton First Responders Foundation has always been there for our officers and firefighters, but – even measured against its already high standards – the Foundation has gone above-and-beyond in these challenging times. I know that our police and fire departments are incredibly grateful, as am I.”

“Our team is always honored to help our Milton first responders, and especially during these challenging times," Olde Blind Dog Owner Ron Wallace said. "The staff at Olde Blind Dog was happy to put in extra hours to provide nearly 400 meals over a three-day period to all firefighters, police officers, their support staff and their families.”

When asked about his plans to open next week Wallace said, “Olde Blind Dog will continue our seven-day delivery and pick up service, but we will not open the pub until it is safe for our employees and our guests.”

The meals were a resounding hit with the families and represent the love and support they feel from the community.

One first responder wife, Jennifer D., said, “I just wanted to thank you guys for the amazing dinner we had last night. My husband is a Milton firefighter, and I am a nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, so we have not stopped working amidst this chaos. Between working, homeschooling, and trying to figure out a new normal, having your dinner last night was such a relief. Thank you so much for thinking of the first responders and their families.”

“A huge 'thank you' to our Milton First Responders Foundation and Olde Blind Dog for the amazing dinners provided to our firefighters and their families," Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar said. "We are all so appreciative of the support shown to all our first responders.”

Milton Police Chief Rich Austin added, “I certainly echo Chief Edgar's comments. Our folks really enjoyed the delicious meals, but I think just as importantly, they really appreciated the support and encouragement that you all provided by thinking of them during this stressful time. Everyone was so very thankful for your kindness. Again, many thanks!”

Earlier this month, Milton First Responders Foundation also teamed up with ‘Cue BBQ to provide grab and go lunches to Milton police officers as well as baked-ziti dinners prepared by Brooklyn Joe’s Pizza, Pasta and Grill for all the Milton fire stations.

Milton First Responders Foundation depends upon donations from citizens and local businesses as well as community events such as the Concert on the Green. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Georgia corporation consisted entirely of volunteer citizens, 100 percent of the profits raised support their ongoing mission: “To provide financial support for Milton first responder employees injured in the line of duty or enduring a family hardship and to purchase supplementary/non-budgeted equipment and training materials.”

For more information about the Foundation or to donate, visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook.