Signs placed on the lawn outside the Escalon Pentecostal Tabernacle on First Street say it all – offering thanks to the Escalon Fire Department and Escalon Community Ambulance service personnel for doing their part in keeping the community safe.

Much like they did several weeks ago for the police department, the Pentecostal Tabernacle family hosted an appreciation luncheon on Saturday, recognizing the efforts of firefighters, paramedics and EMTs.

The gathering included several members of the Escalon Fire Department and personnel from Escalon Community Ambulance, along with several guest speakers and members of the church congregation, in addition to Pastor, Rev. Wayne Warren and his wife Carol.

Pastor Warren offered the opening remarks and gave a brief history of why the church decided to have the appreciation luncheon, noting that it wasn’t enough to just place signs of thanks on their lawn.

“We talked the talk,” he said of honoring the emergency services personnel. “This is the walking the walk today.”

Also on hand to take the podium were Assemblyman Heath Flora, Mike Anderson representing Congressman Jeff Denham, San Joaquin County Supervisor Chuck Winn and Escalon Mayor Jeff Laugero. Escalon Community Ambulance chief Mike Pitassi and Escalon Fire Chief Rick Mello had a turn to speak as well.

“We appreciate all that Wayne has done,” Mello said in returning the thanks to Pastor Warren for his steadfast support of the community. “For those of us that have said ‘I will’ go out there and protect and serve, we thank you for saying ‘I will’ and standing behind us.”

Banners were presented for the fire department and ambulance station to display at their locations, gifts were presented and then all in attendance got to share a meal, conversation and laughter.

Sponsors included D’Boni’s Pizza, Pizza Plus, Main Street Market, John Davis, Con Agra, FoodMaxx of Modesto, and Bass Pro Shops.