The Alabama Forestry Association, along with members of the state's congress and local leaders, hosted a cookout at the Baldwin County Coliseum on Friday to thank first responders in the Baldwin County area.

The cookout, which the Alabama Forestry Association has been doing for two years, has been part of a statewide effort to deliver burgers, hot dogs and other goods to first responders in local communities across Alabama.

"I like to say we are a traveling circus," said Anna Morgan, grassroots coordinator for the Alabama Forestry Association. "We bring the grill down, we bring our trailer full of food, set up, and then the public officials are invited to invite all of their first responders in the area and anyone else they want to invite."

The organization expected more than 200 attendees from across the first responder community in Baldwin County, including fire departments, police departments, EMTs, paramedics and others who serve the county.
Burgers and hot dogs were served fresh off the grill, but first responders could also pick up a bag of food, along with snacks and drinks.

Along with members of the first responder community, a few members of Alabama's state congress were in attendance to support the cookout, including Sen. Greg Albritton, Rep. Donna Givens and former Sen. Trip Pittman. Loxley Mayor Richard Teal also made an appearance.

Morgan said her favorite thing about the cookout is serving the local community and giving back to first responders in Baldwin County and across Alabama.

"They're facing some tough times and they're getting a bad reputation, so it's exciting to see them feel appreciated and happy to do what they're doing, because I know it's a tough job and we need them to continue doing it," Morgan said. "It's just exciting to thank them in person."

With thousands of burgers and other foods served to first responders, the Alabama Forestry Association is proud of its work and hopes the cookout will continue for years to come.

"10,000 hamburgers and 10,000 hot dogs in the last two years," Morgan estimated. "So we are excited to continue doing this, and we hope to continue."