A Call to Serve: Solid Rock Ministries Hosting Appreciation Dinner in Effort to Serve Those who Serve Others

Solid Rock Ministries, located at 610 S. Alleghany Ave. in Covington, is having a special dinner to honor all first responders: law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters, on June 25^th immediately following their regular church service. Church begins at 11 a.m. and will feature retired police captain Rick Morrison, formerly affiliated with the Roanoke City Police Department, as guest speaker.

Morrison joined the Roanoke City Police Department in 1996 where he worked for 22 years. During that time, he served as a General Instructor for the Department of Criminal Justice Services, Police Training Academy Director, Criminal Investigations Unit Captain, and so much more. He retired in 2017 as the Roanoke City Police Department’s Community Response Team Captain and, that same year became involved with Feeding Southwest Virginia where he worked as their Chief Impact Officer.

This Sunday, Morrison, a Christian man, has prepared a special message for first responders. In it, he will be addressing the question, “What does true sacrifice look like?”

Sometime around 12:15, first responders will head downstairs to the church kitchen to enjoy a meal prepared by several volunteers. On the menu are hot dogs with all the fixins, potato salad, baked beans, chips, drinks, and several desserts.

Pam Irvine, Pastor of Solid Rock Ministries, said that “as a child, I always felt safe when I saw law enforcement.” Perhaps it was this sense of security, her faith, or some combination of the two that put it on her heart to invite first responders to a meal. She has referred to the dinner as “call to serve,” and rightfully so. “We’re grateful for those men and women that make sacrifices every day… we’re just grateful for the first responders in all communities that answer the call to serve.”

Irvine has also stated that first responders are not required to attend service, as she realizes their busy schedules may not allow them to do so. Guests can come at mealtime or even stop by to pick it up in a to-go box.