First responders in the Omaha metro area were honored at a recent Blessing of the Badge ceremony at Salem Baptist Church.

The Rev. Selwyn Q. Bachus, senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church, invited law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to the ceremony, which featured public recognition, a prayer of protection and blessing. Lunch was also provided for first responders.

The Sunday, Nov. 10, event was hosted by the church with Omaha Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as well as Black Police Officer’s Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, African-American Correctional Officer’s Association and Omaha Association of Black Professional Firefighters.