During EMS Appreciation Week 2026 Higginsville Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6270 in Higginsville gathered at the Emergency Management Services (EMS) Headquarters on Wednesday May 20th to provide a tasty lunch in appreciation for local EMS Professionals. Paramedics, EMTs, Dispatchers, Police and Fire personnel were all invited for fresh ‘grilled to order’ smashburgers, cheeseburgers and 1⁄4 pound hotdogs, chips and iced down water. While all couldn’t be in attendance due to the nature of their work, rotational schedules and training, those who were able to make expressed sincere appreciation for the expert grillmanship and ‘cheesemaster’ efforts of Gary Duensing, Ernie Johnson, Jim Shull and Chris Harris. Roland Davis helped with the setup, and new senior Kaiden Fender got a jump on his senior service hours with the effort as well. Commander Dennis Kumm and Senior Vice Rich Graham provided oversight and direction while allowing the expert grilling to continue unhindered.

Doug Kenney, EMS Chief was heard remarking about the success of the event, saying the attendance was significantly higher than all previous BBQs at the location. Police Chief Tom Long really enjoyed the burgers and helped ensure there would be no leftovers, enjoying two of the 1⁄3 lb grilled masterpieces. Kenney and Long were only two of the 24 first responders and staff served at the event, although the dispatcher’s burgers had to be packaged ‘to-go’ and delivered to them so they were able to remain vigilant and on duty. The next opportunity to experience the culinary delight of Post 6270 will be for lunch at the “Second Saturday” event at the Running Rabbit Antiques on Fairground in Higginsville on Saturday June 13. They will be offering their nearly world-famous Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches in addition to the burgers and hot dogs.