Emerson salutes first responders with 12th annual picnic

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson chose a different kind of theme for her 12th annual Old Fashioned Family Picnic, held Saturday at the Arena Building.

"I'm not making one political statement," said Emerson during a news conference before the picnic.

Instead, Emerson devoted the entire event to honoring the first responders of southern Missouri.

As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, Emerson said she developed a greater appreciation for those who put themselves on the front lines on a daily basis.

"If the worst happens and someone isn't prepared, it sure isn't going to be because of you," Emerson said in front of the crown of nearly 400 guests, among them more than 200 first responders and their families.

Emerson said the idea for the theme struck her because emergency responders generally don't receive recognition unless there's some sort of tragedy or disaster.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan served as master of ceremonies for the event.

Sen. Kit Bond said he includes first responders of southern Missouri in his nightly prayers and thanked them for what they do.

The picnic was part of a whirlwind of appearances across the state, Bond said.

He had just come from an afternoon tour of Route AB in Cape Girardeau. He recently inserted language into a bill to provide $760,000 in federal funds for an extension to Route AB.

If the bill is passed, the road will give trucks a detour in making their deliveries, saving time, money and decreasing congestion from trucks on the highways.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com335-6611, extension 245