Also being honored with "First Responder" awards were Lt. Matt Tallman of Blair Township Emergency Services, Meredith Hawes, Public Educator, Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, and Keith Fritz, Fire Inspector, Traverse City Fire Department. These individuals, with the support and participation of their departments, have been instrumental in spreading the word to all of the other departments who have so enthusiastically embraced the program. Lt. Matt Tallman shared a story with all who were present about the importance of having a tool like this available to use during calls where children are involved.

Missy Miles, Advisory Board Member, was on hand to help present the awards. The first B.A.C.K. Packets were presented to the Chiefs by Tarren Jace Thomas and Tiandra-Marin Thomas. It seems that the program just kept growing even after the presentation of the B.A.C.K. Packets. Chief Sedlacek, Grand Traverse City Rural Fire Department took enough B.A.C.K. Packets to equip ambulances in the county, as well. We are also grateful to the media that stepped up to cover the event. The Record-Eagle Newspaper was there - (see the link on the right). Ryan Reiche, of 9 & 10 news (view the coverage on the right) and Ron Pritchard for the Norm Jones Show at WTCM Radio (visit again soon to hear that interview) all offered wonderful coverage of the event for the community.

On hand to help celebrate was Rose Scharmen of The Cloth Envelope Company in Kingsley and Chris Hathaway of Farm Bureau Insurance, who are among the First Responders in the Business Category. Rose has graciously donated warehouse space for our B.A.C.K. Packets and Chris is responsible for helping us to secure permission to make Farm Bureau Insurance a Drop Spot for donated books. Additional drop spots in the community include Maple Clinic of Traverse City, Ray's Coffee House of Traverse City, Blair Township Emergency Medical Services in Grawn, Traverse City Fire Station #1, and Scheck Sign Systems of Kingsley. It was a banner day - and speaking of banners, many thanks to Victory Printing and Design of Kingsley for donating the beautiful banner. Appropriately chosen, the first distribution of B.A.C.K. Packets in the state of Michigan, was held at Traverse City Fire Station #1.

Now we are off and running and we are looking forward to the spread of the program throughout the state and to the remaining First Responders in the Grand Traverse Area. We are also looking forward to hearing about the wonderful ways that the First Responders utilize the B.A.C.K. Packets. Many thanks to all who were involved in this event for being "First Responders!" Your efforts exemplify professionalism and compassion at it's best! Thanks for caring about the kids in your community who will have a little easier time of it when crisis impacts their lives. Your choice to answer the call has not gone unnoticed. Way to go!

Finally, we are eagerly anticipating more "First Responders" throughout the community as we unveil further opportunities to get involved. The B.A.C.K. Packets Program is a win/win initiative for all parties involved. We make it our goal to create opportunities that benefit all who step up to the plate as individual citizens, businesses and corporate sponsors, families, churches, schools, civic clubs and more. Contact us to learn about more ways you can support your local emergency first responders.

Do you have a minimum of 10 minutes to spare? We even have jobs for 10 minute volunteers!