REFUGIO — More than 50 firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other first responders from across the county were honored Tuesday evening by H-E-B at the Refugio City Hall clubroom.

Local H-E-B employees served a barbecue dinner with all the trimmings in the eighth annual company-wide volunteer program, Helping Heroes.

Don Pullin, chief of the Refugio VFD, said the turnout was good and all five fire departments were represented.

“This was a great opportunity for us to join together to honor our fallen comrades, thanks to the local H-E-B,” Pullin said.

The local store was one of 30 stores in the Gulf Coast Region to honor local first responders.

“This community service project honors Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance that pays tribute to the men and women rescue teams who risked and lost their lives at the World Trade Center,” said Winell Herron, group vice president of public affairs, diversity, and environmental affairs for H-E-B.

VFW Post 6290 Commander Richard Sanchez congratulated the first responders for their continued cooperation for the good of all the communities in the county.

Refugio fireman Ralph Skrobarcek rang the bell in a solemn ceremony to honor those killed in the World Trade Center attempting to save lives. Paramedic Fern Blain explained the ceremony to those who attended.

“This community project honors September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance that pays tribute to the men and women rescue teams who risked and lost their lives at the World Trade Center,” Herron said.

H-E-B conducted ceremonies similar to the one held in Refugio across the state. Local manager Mark Brearton and H-E-B partners Rachel Porras, Albert Anguiano, LaDonna Marquis, Duane Elliott were on hand to serve the food and host the event.