Honor the Badge event thanks Elkhart's first responders

ELKHART, Ind. - The Elkhart community gathered at The Lerner Theatre on Thursday for the sixth annual Honor the Badge event, thanking first responders for all they do.

Over 300 Elkhart first responders and their families enjoyed a dinner party during the event.

"You have people going every day, potentially into harm's way to help and protect families, but they have a family," said Jim McKinnis, a representative for Homes for Heroes. "There's always someone behind the badge, and that other person is very much part of this as well so we want to give honor to the spouses as well tonight."

Speeches at the event revealed that Elkhart 911 Dispatch took 76,000 calls in 2022 alone and the Elkhart Fire Department went on more than 9,800 runs.

The chaplain said neighboring agencies covered Thursday night's patrols so that Elkhart's first responders could enjoy a couple hours off.

Thursday night's event was made possible by the organization, Homes for Heroes.