The Biloxi Police and Fire departments have two public ceremonies coming up — a fish fry on Friday (Aug. 29) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and a ceremony to mark the observance of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The MDA fish fry takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center on Porter Avenue. Fish and hamburger plates will be available for $5 each. Those interested in making advance orders should e-mail Cindy Yenewine of the Biloxi Fire Department or call her at 435-6200.
“Fire Chief David Roberts approached me about five years ago about the MDA event, and it’s been a huge success,” Biloxi Assistant Police Chief Rodney McGilvary said. “That first year, we raised more than $6,500 in three hours.”
McGilvary noted that those interested can either dine in the pumper hall at Lopez-Quave or either pick up orders or have them delivered.
“Those who dine in at Lopez-Quave will also be treated to the special hush puppies from Annette and Bruce Strong, and, of course everyone will enjoy the fish or hamburger plates,” McGilvary said. “A team of volunteer cooks will prepare the fish and hamburger plates. Some people call them the ‘Biloxi Mullet Brigade’ and some call them the ‘Biloxi Bacon Brigade.’ We actually don’t care what they call us, as long as they come and enjoy, and support this worthy cause.”
The mood will turn solemn on the morning of Sept. 11 when emergency personnel and the public gather at the city’s fire museum for a brief ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.
Emergency service personnel and the public will begin gathering at 8:50 a.m. at the West End Hose Co. No. 3, which is on Howard Avenue north of the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center. Parking will be available in the Lopez-Quave lot off Howard Avenue.
The ceremony will begin at 8:55 a.m. with an opening prayer by the Biloxi Fire Department chaplain. At 8:59 a.m., a station bell will ring three sets of five chimes to commemorate those who perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the plane that crashed in a Pennsylvania field.
