Thirteen police, fire and deputy substations around Bakersfield were treated to a fried chicken lunch for the annual Hero Appreciation event sponsored by Mossman Catering and SSD Alarm. Spokesman Carl Sanyards says it’s their way of giving back to the men and women who put their own lives at risk. “Just as a small token of our appreciation of first responders, and the sacrifice they make daily to keep us safe.” This was the 16th year for the catered lunch that also marks the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Suzanne Grant