Bolingbrook Church Honors First Responders For Doing 'God's Work'

BOLINGBROOK, IL — First responders who serve the Bolingbrook community were honored on Sunday at a local church that held a service that recognized the service of local firemen, police officers, and other public servants.

The Independent Baptist Church hosted the Bolingbrook police and fire departments along with other first responders as part of the church’s annual First Responder Appreciation Day. Representatives from the Illinois State Police, Will County Sheriff’s Department, and several other agencies also participated in the event.

Troy Shoaf, the church’s pastor, and Bolingbrook Police chaplain presided over the service which recognized the service and sacrifice of all first responders and their families, the Bolingbrook police department said.

During the service, Shoaf praised first responders for their service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic during which responders have had to deal with civil unrest, the death of police officers, and other tragedies that have increased the stress level and trauma felt by first responders. While other professions have seen workloads drop off because of the pandemic, first responders were forced to remain on the front lines, Shoaf said.

The service marked the first time since 2019 that the church held its annual appreciation service, the pastor said.

“At times, it may seem like evil is winning and that the public is against you and you still may be questioning why you are still even in the fight,” Shoaf said during Sunday's service. “Let me tell you this morning that you are doing God’s work and that the majority of the public supports you. I’m hoping that today will be a day that you can re-charge and re-focus.”

After the service, first responders were able to meet and greet community members, while Bolingbrook Police K-9 handler O'Hara answered questions about police K-9 work and provided a brief demonstration.

The church also hosted a lunch that included contributions from several local businesses and the Bolingbrook Police Department had a table that included prizes that were raffled off by the church.