More than 500 police officers, firefighters, first responders, and their family members representing 42 different departments throughout the Ohio Valley attended the 9th Annual Law Enforcement & Fire Safety Appreciation Day picnic held on Saturday, September 22, 2007. Those departments attending for the first time included Shadyside FD and Wolfhurst VFD. Click here to see if your department was represented.

Although Saturday was an abnormally hot and humid fall day, more than 150 guests arrived early to enjoy the opening ceremony. Jonathan Turak, a partner with Gold, Khourey & Turak and the founder of the event, opened the afternoon by thanking all the police officers and firefighters for their efforts throughout the year.

A moment of silence was held to recognize those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by the Fabulous Bender Boys. Click here to see a list of local police officers and firefighters that have been killed in the line of duty. Congressman Alan Mollohan and Glenn Gainer, State Auditor, were also in attendance to meet and offer their thanks to those in attendance. Congressman Mollohan recently helped several local fire departments secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding to assist their agencies, and provided a large American flag for the picnic which was hung between two firetrucks as guests entered the picnic.

The 6th Annual Firearm competition was held outdoors this year. Mike Younger of the NCLETTC designed and scored the competition. The participants were required to hit 2 targets (each target at least once), with the winners decided by the most total hits. Mike provided tips and advice to participants throughout the afternoon. No live ammunition was used. Laser tips were inserted into the barrels of the guns, and a counter kept score of hits on target.

This year’s winners are:
Individual: 1st Place (23): Troy Shepherd, Shilo, Ohio
2nd Place (16): Nelson Croft, Ohio County Sheriff’s Department

Team: 1st Place (44): Rod Vaught, Ohio County Sheriff’s Department
Chuck Kittle, Ohio County Sheriff’s Department

2nd Place (38): Danny Holmes, Moundsville VFD
Jeff Henderson, Moundsville VFD
Click here for photo of presentation

Other activities included a 65-inch big screen t.v., where guests enjoyed watching the #5 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers crush East Carolina 48-7, a bounce house, and various other inflatables for kids. The Speed Pitch and craft station are yearly favorites, and this year was no exception. Thanks to Jay Knapp, Brad Varlas, Don Meredith, and Tim Minor for assisting with the event.

All afternoon, guests were invited to eat food prepared Chef James and his staff from Café Burress. Live music was provided by the The Fabulous Bender Boys, Johnny “O” from Kool 105.5 FM served as guest emcee, and the “Just For Fun” Dancers energized the audience with their routine.

Of course, those law enforcement officials and firefighters who registered at the welcome table received a Free T-shirt commemorating this year’s picnic.

The annual picnic is provided courtesy of Gold, Khourey & Turak.

Please click here to view photos from this year's picnic. If you attended the picnic, we'd like to hear your comments. Please click here to submit your comments.

Since 2002, the picnic has been held at the National Corrections & Law Enforcement Training & Technology Center (NCLETTC), or also known simply as “The Moundsville Center.” The NCLETTC is located inside the former West Virginia Penitentiary and offers various training exercises and classes year-round for law enforcement, fire firefighters, and first responders from around the country. Call Mike Logsdon at the NCLETTC at 843-4147 for additional information. A very special thanks to Jim, Trevor, Regina, Mike Younger, Mike Logsdon, and Steve Morrison for their support of the picnic.