With sirens blaring and lights flashing, Islamorada’s fire trucks and ambulances rush up and down U.S.1 to emergencies day and night. The first responders in those vehicles arrive swiftly, administering critical care to an accident victim or an individual experiencing a medical emergency.
On Saturday, April 22, Islamorada’s finest fire rescuers will be tending to the smokey grills and residents’ appetites for finger-licking pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and other grub.
Wafts of barbecue will fill Founders Park during the wee hours of the morning as Fire Chief Terry Abel and helpers ignite the grills around 4 a.m. By 11 a.m., the Islamorada Benevolent Firefighters Association’s Givin’ It Back Barbecue will welcome hungry residents. Residents and workers of Islamorada get to eat for free — a way for local first responders to show their gratitude to the community they serve.
“We’re giving it back here,” said Larry Zettwoch, volunteer fireman/paramedic with Islamorada Fire Rescue. “The people have been so good to us.”
Those outside the community are also invited to enjoy the barbecue by the Founders Park beach for $15. Barbecue goers can enjoy some pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as baked beans, corn, coleslaw and potato salad.
Families are invited to bring their little ones to meet members of the fire department and its new fire apparatus.
