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In 2020, K9 Officer Jose Meza was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Award, which was accepted by his widow, Cristina, and their young daughter at the Hill Country 100 Club banquet. She is scheduled to speak at the March 3 banquet. Hundreds of peace officers and emergency personnel from around the state descended on Marble Falls at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for a funeral mass in 2020 after the death of a Burnet police officer Jose Meza.Meza died early Friday, Dec. 20, of a heart attack. HC 100 Club was instrumental in offering assistance, support and funds to his family. File Photos
On March 3 from 6 -9 p.m., the Hill Country 100 Club will be hosting their annual banquet at the Burnet YMCA to honor the first responders in Burnet, Blanco, Llano, and Lampasas Counties.
Sixty-seven supported agencies will be represented, including sheriff departments, police, EMS, fire departments, and dispatchers, whom Texas has now recognized as first responders.
In addition, the agencies submit candidates for the Employee of the Year Award and the Meritorious Award, which identifies someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, perhaps even at the risk of their own life.
Guest speakers will include Wiley “Sonny” McAfee, District Attorney, who will share the dangers of Fentanyl, and Dawn Davies, who will address the partial eclipse coming in October of 2023 and the total eclipse on April 8, 2024.
The total eclipse in 2024 is expected to bring in an influx of tourists to the Hill Country, along with a unique set of problems for first responders, many of whom will be hearing about this topic for the first time.
In addition, Cristina Meza, whose husband was killed in the line of duty, will share how the financial support that she received from the Hill Country 100 Club changed her life as she struggled with the reality of her loss.
Since 1953, the 100 Club has been the first responders for our first responders. Their goal is to be there at the point of need within 24-48 hours of an incident to support the families of law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and EMS, including dispatchers who become the first contact when disaster strikes.
The Hill Country 100 Club is comprised of concerned citizens along with local businesses who understand the daily sacrifice made by these men and women who are committed to maintaining the safety of our communities.
Tickets for first responders are free and $25 for Hill Country 100 Club members. General admission for the public is $35. First responder Craig Schlicke will be catering the event Texas-style with barbeque and all the fixings.
You can support the work of the Hill Country 100 Club through various options. Contact them at info@hc100club.org to explore the ways you can encourage and uphold these men and women who contribute so much to our quality of life in the Hill Country.
Tickets can be purchased here: Banquet Tickets or on our website HC-100Club.org.