The Valley Chronicle - Salvation Army hosts Hemet’s first responders t

Some 40 police and firefighters recognized in unison

[caption id="attachment_11482" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Photos Courtesy of the Salvation Army Hemet Corps
Hemet Police and firefighters stand together for a group photo with Salvation Army personnel, one of the first times in recent memory that both departments have been photographed together.[/caption] ■ By Dennis Fletcher / Contributed The Salvation Army Hemet Corps continued its annual tradition last week of hosting a first-responders’ breakfast. Roughly 40 police officers and firefighters came together at the Salvation Army’s community center to enjoy home-cooked omelettes, coffee, and more. [caption id="attachment_11483" align="alignleft" width="225"] Fire Chief Scott Brown approaches the police for a group photo after breakfast.[/caption] A highlight of the event was when one of the police officers asked to take a group photo. During the session, Fire Chief Scott Brown asked to get one of both departments together. “The Salvation Army is about building bridges,” says Lt. James Fleming, who with his wife, Lt. Katrina Fleming, are in charge of the Salvation Army facility at 340 S. Palm Ave., Hemet. “We were surprised to learn that this was the first time that both police officers and firefighters have had their photo taken all together,” says Fleming. He says the corps likes to keep the following line from the Bible (1 John 3:18) in mind when going about its work building bridges: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” That could be a motto of Hemet’s first responders, who show their dedication to citizens in deeds on a daily basis. For additional information about the Salvation Army Hemet Corps., contact either James or Katrina Fleming at 951-791-9497 x101, office; or 714-499-3943, cell. [caption id="attachment_11484" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Police take a break during breakfast at the Salvation Army Community Center.[/caption]