The tables were decorated with red and green table cloths, and Christmas music came from the speaker system by the stage of the Vicksburg Auditorium as about 150 firefighters, police, sheriff’s deputies and public employees and their families gathered for food and fellowship at a Christmas dinner honoring the city’s and Warren County’s public employees.

“I thought it would be good for people to get together and sit down and have a meal together where there’s no tension, no politics involved. We just sit down and eat,” said dinner organizer Greg Harrison, a retired Vicksburg Fire Department captain. “At least one day out of the year, we should be able to sit down and enjoy a meal together regardless of our differences. Let’s put everything aside — least for a couple of hours.”

The dinner, he said, is in its second year.

He said the idea for the meal grew out of an idea to get the city’s active and retired firefighters together for dinner just to enjoy each other’s company and remember old times and suddenly grew.

“I wanted to do something just for them. These are my brothers. I’ve always treated them like family. I’ve spent one-third of my life with them. I was looking for a way to give back,” he said.

Last year, only firefighters and fire department employees were involved, he said, “And it had such a good response and I had so much food, I called the police department and asked them to sent their guys down and then I called the sheriff’s department and asked them to send their guys down, and then 911. It was expanded this year.”

“I think this is nice, I think it’s great for public servants to get together and have a little fellowship,” said Anne Doyle, Fire Chief Charles Atkins’ administrative assistant, who was at the dinner with her family.

“I’ve been waiting for this all month to spend time with my co-workers,” said Sandra Cason, who works in the city’s court services division.

Alberta Wheeler, the police department’s booking officer, said she was glad to get together with her co-workers and family “to be able to fellowship together.”

Her sister, Brenda Randle, said she felt “fabulous” about attending the dinner with family. “I’ve been looking forward to this all day to be able to enjoy this.”

“This is very appreciated,” said sheriff’s deputy Jerry Davidson,”I’ve enjoyed protecting and serving the people of Vicksburg and Warren County.”

Sheriff’s deputy Lt. Billy Heggins said deputies and police officers are on the streets daily responding to calls, adding, “It’s good to be able to sit here and relax.”’

Harris said food for the dinner was made possible through contributions from local businesses and organizations, and food was prepared by L.D.’s Kitchen for the meal. He added Rowdy’s restaurant provided dressing for this year’s event.

“We took an oath when we joined the fire department to protect and serve, just like the police and sheriff’s department,” he said. “This is one way I can serve.”