Emergency vehicles from various locations gathered outside the Crete Fire Department earlier this month. Inside, volunteers from Operation BBQ Relief were busy serving meals to firefighters from Crete and nearby departments.
Operation BBQ Relief started in 2011 after a tornado hit Joplin, Missouri. During that time, they provided 110,000 meals over eight days. Since then, they have served more than 12 million meals across the country, including 1.3 million during Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The menu for the day included pork loin, baked beans with pork, onions, peppers, and barbecue sauce. Applesauce, cookies, and buns were also served.
This event was part of the Always Serving Project. The initiative aims to give back to those who serve their communities. The visit to Crete was made possible by a local volunteer who facilitated bringing the event to town. It received positive feedback from firefighters and local police who joined for a meal.
The team had several stops planned, including serving nine departments at an upcoming training event.
More information about Operation Barbecue Relief can be found at https://operationbbqrelief.org
