Chancy J. Gatlin-Anderson
Special for Colorado Community Media
The Elizabeth community came together on August 17 to celebrate first responders at the fifth annual Protectors of Elizabeth Tribute. The event took place at Running Creek Park, where hundreds of community members were on hand to support the Elizabeth Police Department, Elizabeth Fire Rescue, the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and the State Patrol of Colorado.
The event was fun and family-friendly, bringing together local businesses and engaging activities for attendees. Catalina’s Diner provided pizza and street tacos while Elizabeth Brewing Company provided beer. Small Town Mini Donuts was also on site to sell their sweet and tasty treats.
Various children’s activities were organized in the park, including bounce houses, a face painter and balloon artists. A big hit for the kids was the big inflatable slide. The Castle Rock-based John Saunders Band headlined the event with their eclectic groove infused with country rock.
The free annual event is hosted by Means Agency Inc. based in Elizabeth. Each year, their goal is to show appreciation to Elizabeth’s first responders and provide fun entertainment for the people of Elizabeth. Megan Vasquez, mayor of Elizabeth and co-owner of the Media Agency, shared her thoughts on the event in an Aug. 18 email correspondence.
“The fifth annual Protectors of Elizabeth event was a great success in honoring our first responders. This event is intended to recognize, celebrate and thank those who protect and serve our community every day,” said Vásquez . “These men and women put their lives on the line, and this is just a small way to say thank you. This event brings our community and agencies together for a great night of food, fun and laughter.”
Eagle’s Nest Ranch, an Elizabeth-based 501(c)(3) organization, was on hand at the event to support and raise money for first responders. The nonprofit has a long history of working with veterans and first responders, particularly to raise money for rehabilitation programs.
Eagle’s Nest Ranch offers a first responder program to support them and their families through individual or family sessions with horses. According to the flyer the non-profit organization distributed at the event, its desire is to “help first responders and their families through the stress they experience due to intense work.”
Chief Melvin Berghahn of the Elizabeth Police Department shared his thoughts on the annual event during an Aug. 22 phone interview.
“It’s really wonderful to have the event organized by the Media Agency and Megan Vasquez. It’s great every year,” Berghahn said. “It’s an honor to be appreciated and really amazing to see how the community comes out for us.”
Keywords
Elizabeth,
Colorado,
Elbert County,
first responders,
protectors,
police,
fire
