The Dewitt Tilton Group, an award-winning design-build commercial and industrial construction company in the Southeast, continued its tradition of expressing gratitude towards first responders in Pooler, Ga., where the company is headquartered. 

The Dewitt Tilton Group team personally served a delectable Thanksgiving lunch to 38 firefighters and support staff at the City of Pooler Fire-Rescue Headquarters and Station 1, located at 1093 S. Rogers St.

This longstanding tradition of providing a meal to first responders has been going strong for the past six years. The meal, catered by Jim'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, included traditional holiday dishes such as smoked turkey breast, ham, dressing, fresh green beans, sweet potato casserole, savory cheese biscuits, and refreshing cold sweet tea. To top it all off, the feast concluded with a scrumptious pecan pie for dessert.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the sacrifices our first responders make. They literally put their lives on the line to keep the community safe, so there’s nothing we won’t do to let them know how much they are appreciated,” said Chris Tilton, co-principal of Dewitt Tilton Group. "Our business relies heavily on collaboration with the City and the Fire Department. This includes activities such as obtaining permits and undergoing inspections. We highly value the exceptional job they perform, their remarkable efficiency, and above all, their unwavering commitment to the safety of our community. Working alongside these individuals is truly a pleasure."

Back in 2018 when the company was headquartered in Thunderbolt, Ga., the Dewitt Tilton Group served their first Thanksgiving meal to first responders. After moving to Pooler four years ago, the tradition of appreciation continued. An addition that was new to the event in 2022 carried over this year. Select Pooler Elementary School students created personalized coloring pages of a “Thanksgiving turkey firefighter” that were presented at lunch. 

“It’s exciting to get the children involved again this year,” Tilton said. “These men and women are real heroes they can look up to, and this token of appreciation sparks that idea of community service in young people."