Brookhaven resident prepares Thanksgiving meals for first responders

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - The Mayer kitchen is always busy the night before Thanksgiving as they prepare for their annual Thanksgiving feast for first responders.

“You have to give back and this is one of the ways that we give back every year and we appreciate every first responder out there,” said Ronnie Mayer who hosts the event with his wife, Debbie.

Ronnie and Debbie were preparing mac and cheese, hams, desserts and other items in their kitchen, while some local businesses were doing their part.

Kaleidoscope owner and chef, Joey Riley will serve the stuffing and gravy for the turkeys Chef Stephen Herman prepared over at Haven in Brookhaven.

“The one thing we can do is provide food especially days like the holidays when they are not with their families,” said Chef Herman who prepared four turkeys and vegetables. “A hot meal goes a long way for a lot of people.”

The food will be served at noon on Thanksgiving Day at DeKalb County Fire Station Number Two, but Ronnie said the lunch is open to all first responders and their families.

“If you are a first responder or you do not have a family to be with or you do not have anything to eat for Thanksgiving please come join us,” said Ronnie. "12 p.m., 3:30 p.m., quarter after 4 p.m. we are going to feed you too, we have plenty of food.”

“These guys are working really hard during holidays and sometimes we have time to cook, sometimes we don't,” said DeKalb County Battalion Chief, Zina Gresham. “For him to come out and prepare our meals they are very grateful, he does so much for this station.”

Ronnie said this is the least he and his wife can do for the men and women who risk their lives for their community every day and have to be away from their families during the holidays to continue protecting us.