Sarah Heiner feels that sometimes first responders and city workers don’t get the credit they’re due.

The police officers, firefighters and city employees who worked tirelessly responding to Tropical Storm Harvey’s historical flooding while keeping the city running and aiding in water rescues was the topic of discussion one recent day between Heiner of Act 1 Hair Studio and Groves city councilwoman and business owner Karen Theis.

The discussion led to planning for a dinner to recognize those folks who do so much.

“I was there for an appointment and she said she wished there was some way to thanks the city workers and first responders and a light bulb went off,” Theis said.

Theis then called Brad Corley, a retired firefighter and a past president of the Groves Chamber of Commerce.

“We had heard about an employee out directing traffic (during the flooding) and he had such a good attitude. He had had two feet of water in his house but was still out there working,” Corley said.

Heiner thinks back to the storm stories she’s heard, of workers on the job 36-plus hours who, for them, is more than a job — it’s their life.

“The city looked and guided people to the right areas who needed help,” Heiner said. “The city, the town’s people were amazing along with the guidance of the first responders. Next time you see a police officer or a firefighter or first responder than them and tell them we’re grateful and thankful for them.”

A special dinner to honor Groves’ first responders, public works employees, city hall and the librarian is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Groves Activity Building.

To help offset the cost there will be table sponsorships for $100 each. Each table will hold eight honorees and their guests. There is limited seating.

For more information on sponsoring a table, call the Courtyard Cafe at 409-999-3520 and ask for Kara.

Donations are also welcome and can be made at Golden Triangle Federal Credit Union under “Harvey Appreciation Dinner.”