The Vicksburg branch of the Salvation Army held breakfast Friday morning for first responders across the county in remembrance of those who lost their lives rushing headlong into the danger following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.

“We started about three years back. We thought this is a great way to serve our first responders,” Salvation Army Capt. Srikant Bhatnagar said. “We thought this is a great way to serve our first responders.”

Of the almost 3,000 people killed in the 2001 terrorist attack, more than 400 were first responders.

About half a dozen sheriff’s deputies and police officers had attended the breakfast by 7:30 a.m. and many more were expected to filter in throughout the morning since the breakfast began right at shift change for police, deputies and Vicksburg firefighters.

In addition to the hot breakfast, first responders received a handwritten thank you note and a bag of goodies.

“In light of everything going on around the country with the law enforcement community, this means a lot to me personally to show that our community cares,” Vicksburg Deputy Police Chief Johnnie Edwards said.

Sheriff Martin Pace also expressed his thanks to volunteers who took a portion of their day to honor first responders.

“We appreciate them recognizing us and we also want to thank the Salvation Army for what they do throughout the year,” Pace said.

The breakfast consisted of ham, eggs, pancakes, casseroles and more types of pastries and doughnuts than anyone could possibly hope to sample.

“It’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful,” Warren County Sgt. Leroy Williams told Salvation Army volunteers. “Thank y’all for y’all’s work. It was mighty good.”

Volunteers and members of the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary began cooking the breakfast about 5 a.m., said volunteer Barbara Copeland.

“I think it’s a great thing. Every day they should be considered,” Copeland said. “They’re welcome here any day. We really appreciate them.”

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance programs by helping residents pay rent and utility bills as well as providing clothing and furniture and emergency disaster services. The organization also provides spiritual counseling and emotional support.

During the holidays, the Salvation Army sponsors the Angel Tree program and a holiday emergency assistance program.

The Salvation Army also accepts donations of clothing, shoes and furniture to sell in its thrift store. Unusable clothing goes into bales, which the Salvation Army is able to sell.