Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton says thank you to first responders

BRADENTON -- They weren't looking for a free meal, or even a thank you, but Manatee County first-responders have been getting a little bit of both from Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24.

The post invited all law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first-responders to stop by the post and have a free meal on the members.

They could pick any one of three Thursdays, ending Feb. 26.

"It's an honor, of course, when other organizations recognize you. It's humbling, too," battalion chief Mark Bandstra of the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue said, noting that Legion members had also served

their country.

"We appreciate what they have done," Bandstra said.

Rich Losek of West Manatee Fire Rescue said he was surprised by the appreciation shown by the American Legion post.

"They opened it up for everyone. I am really happy they had everyone come and show appreciation for what we do," Losek said.

Legion members John Rauh and Steve Carruba suggested the post host the first-responders for lunch, after several police officers had been killed or attacked around the country.

Jane Casey of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said she appreciated the gesture.

"It touched my heart. We don't get many things done for us like this," Casey said.

The post had 47 first responders on the first day of its appreciation lunches, 57 last week, and were expecting about 70 on Thursday, said Legion member George Staudt.

James A. Jones Jr., Herald reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter @jajones1.

This story was originally published February 27, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton says thank you to first responders ."