DC yacht club hosts annual picnic to thank first responders

The Capital Yacht Club in Southwest Washington, D.C., held its 34th annual picnic luncheon to thank local first responders, WTOP reported. The event provided hot dogs, hamburgers, and sides from local Wharf restaurants to police officers, firefighters, EMS providers, and National Guard members serving the area.

Club members volunteered to prepare and serve the meals, with more than 15 members assisting in organizing and distributing food. Some first responders took boxes of food back to their stations for colleagues who could not attend in person.

Local restaurants such as Kirwan’s, Pink Tiger, Lupo Marino, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Bartaco, and City Cruises contributed side dishes, drinks, and desserts to the event. The picnic is an annual tradition expressing gratitude to those who serve the D.C. community.

D.C. Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Chenworth highlighted the partnership between the yacht club and the city’s response agencies, emphasizing the appreciation felt by first responders. The club’s commodore, Guy Shields, noted that recognizing first responders is important because their work is more than a job—it is a way of life.