Church feeds first responders during annual 9/11 outreach

With 12 drivers delivering lunch to nearly 800 first responders in Manatee and Sarasota counties, Bayside Community Church in Bradenton has seen its 9/11 outreach program grow.

For several years, the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department benefited from the effort. This year, firefighter/paramedics enjoyed a lunch of barbecue sandwiches, chips and drinks on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks — served by one of their own.

Longboat Key firefighter/paramedic Brandon Desch assisted his wife, Rebecca, with deliveries, as he has done for the past four of the six years in which his wife has helped with the program.

“I’ve worked with the Bradenton and Longboat Key fire departments, and I know the importance firsthand of seeing these people out year after year, serving food and showing that they care,” he said. “A little goes a long way.”

The outreach began in 2008, when organizer Lisa Judge fed first responders who served her church in Manatee County on the anniversary of the attacks. Six years later, the program has expanded its reach to all public safety in Manatee County, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota Police Department.

Bayside has four campuses: east Bradenton, east Sarasota, west Bradenton and Hardee County, and it’s looking to branch out even further next year.

“Bayside just started delivering lunches in Sarasota County this year,” said Rebecca Desch, as she dropped off lunch for the Longboat Key department Thursday. “But at the rate the program is growing we should be expanding our reach next year.”

Impressed by the church’s initial outreach to fire departments in Manatee County, where both Rebecca and Brandon worked at the time with the Bradenton Fire Department, the Desches both eventually joined the church; they’ve helped with the program for as long as they’ve been members. 

“I take a vacation day every year to do this,” said Rebecca Desch, who still works for the Bradenton Fire Department as a program administrator. “It’s just something that hits very close to home for both of us.”