Over 85 people including First Responders, Rotarians, friends, and family attended the Southeast Kern County First Responders Banquet on February 24, 2024. The Event was held in the Rosamond Elementary School Auditorium. Former Club President Sam Garcia was our Emcee for the evening. State Assemblyman Tom Lackey from the 34 Assembly District was our Keynote Speaker.
A delicious dinner was catered by Patty's Cafe including roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, a dinner roll, and a tossed green salad. Antelope Valley Rotary provided a delicious chocolate cake for dessert. Entertainment was provided by Zack Montagner on classical violin. Zach was a former Rotary Club of Antelope Valley Dan Stover Music Contest Winner in 2022.
Assemblyman Tom Lackey addressed the audience and spoke of re-uniting our community and thanked our First Responders for their service and devotion. Sam Garcia and Assemblyman Lackey then presented Certificates of Recognition and Recognition Plaques to The California Highway Patrol, Station #830, The Desert Search and Rescue Team, The First Valley Medical Group, Hall Ambulance, Kern County Fire Station, #15, and The Kern County Sheriff's Department, Mojave Substation. Hudson Horner was presented a scholarship check from a Rotary Club Member. Karl’s Hardware and Firearms of Rosamond, Mojave, and Tehachapi, a long-time sponsor for this event, donated a firearm to be raffled off to one of the First Responders. Desert Search and Rescue won the special raffle.
After completion of the presentations, the Basket Raffle Prize Winners were selected and the Raffle Baskets were presented. It was a rewarding evening for the First Responders and for those in attendance to recognize and thank them.
