FIRST RESPONDERS
APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
The First Responders Appreciation Breakfast is held to honor all West Des Moines First Responders. This event is one way local residents and the business community can ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. Over $2,500 has been donated from these events to West Des Moines Public Safety Cadets, an organization dedicated to preparing young adults, ages 14-20 (until 21st birthday), for careers and leadership in the public safety profession.
Over 600 Attendees Since 2019
What Attendees are Saying
At the 2021 West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, the Chamber donated 10% of the proceeds to our newly created Public Safety Cadets Program. Through this donation we were able to purchase uniforms and enhance training for our participants. behalf of the officers here at the West Des Moines Police Department, thank you West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and partners who donate to make this First Responders’ Appreciation Breakfast a signature event for our department and for all of Public Safety in West Des Moines.Â
–Chris Scott, Chief of Police, City of West Des Moines
Notable Speakers
2023: Jim Olson, retired US Navy Veteran and former Chief of Counterintelligence at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
2022: Elizabeth McCormick, decorated Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot and Chief Warrant Officer 2 for the US Army.
2021: Decorated Persian Gulf War U.S. Army veteran, two-time Paralympic Games Silver Medalist John Register
2020: Retired Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman, Purple Heart recipient, best-selling author, featured in multiple History Channel documentariesÂ
2019:Â SSG Eric Maddox, the soldier who masterminded the capture of Saddam Hussein
10% of the First Responders Appreciation Breakfast proceeds are given to the Public Safety Cadets of West Des Moines each year.
Join Us in 2024
Please join us on September 19, 2024, to celebrate those who protect and serve our families, friends, and neighbors. Planning for the event is underway and more details will be announced soon.
Event Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible in 2023!
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