Sherry Lato just wanted to honor all of the first responders in Montgomery County.

So the Warehouse Bar and Grill owner decided to hold a dinner.

“Most of them are volunteers and they do so much for the community,” Lato said. “We wanted to give back to them. They’re all good people.”

The First Annual Emergency Services Appreciation Dinner was held for two hours at the Jonesburg restaurant on May 10. Firefighters from Montgomery City, Jonesburg, New Florence, Wellsville and Rhineland and members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department were among the people in attendance. Mostaccioli, toasted ravioli and salad were served.

“They didn’t have to do this,” said Joe Hummert, who has been working for the Jonesburg-High Hill Fire Protection District for 10 years. “It was a nice thing to do for the community.”

Lato, who opened the Warehouse Bar and Grill in 2020, said she prepared for the event by contacting the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and Jonesburg-High Hill fire department. The Jonesburg-High Hill fire department contacted the rest of the fire departments in the county.

“The biggest part was getting in touch with everybody because I didn’t have any contact numbers,” Lato said. “So when we decided to do it, word kind of spread. Then, it was just waiting for everybody to call me back with numbers because I had no clue how many people were coming.”

Shad Noltensmeyer, assistant chief of the Rhineland Fire Department, said he was happy that the Warehouse Bar and Grill hosted a dinner for all of the first responders.

“It’s great getting all of the fire people, officers and dispatchers together,” said Noltensmeyer, who has been working at the Rhineland fire department for over 20 years. “It’s awesome.”

Lato said she encourages other restaurants in the county to show appreciation for the police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

“I think it’s good that the community puts together something for them because they deserve it,” Lato said. “They’re risking their lives everyday. They’re not getting enough credit.”