Cities
American Legion Post 134 in Burien hosted its first First Responders Thank You Luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 26, bringing local veterans, firefighters and law enforcement together over lunch at the Eagles Hall in Burien.
About 30 people attended throughout the afternoon, including Burien Police Chief Tom Calabrese, King County Fire District #2 Fire Chief Jason Gay and other local first responders.
Burien Police Chief Tom Calabrese, King County Fire District #2 Fire Chief Jason Gay and other local first responders. Photo by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal.
The luncheon was provided by American Legion Post 134. Cajun chicken pasta and cilantro shrimp pasta were on the menu.
Of course, being invited to lunch doesn't mean the calls stop coming.
When a call came in, three firefighters grabbed their lunches and made a quick dash back to Engine 328, graciously holding off on the sirens until they were down the block.
The Legion had planned for exactly that.
The commander of American Legion Post 134 said organizers knew first responders might have to come and go, so the meal was arranged to allow them to take their food along if duty called.
“This is a quiet way of saying thank you,” the commander said.
His appreciation for law enforcement is personal. A former Army military police officer, he remembers responding to many of the same difficult situations civilian officers encounter, including domestic disturbances and fights.
Sgt. David Mendez with the King County Sheriff’s Office said he was glad to be invited and appreciated the opportunity to attend.
The afternoon also brought veterans together, including Roger, a local veteran visiting the Post for the first time, Post Service Officer Peter Arends, and local historian Chris Plyman.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2026, Burien's American Legion Post 134 hosted its First Annual First Responders Luncheon to thank local police, firefighters who serve the Burien residents. Photo by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal.
The commander hopes the luncheon will become an annual event, but he is also thinking about the future of the Legion itself.
At 80, he would like to see more Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans become involved and eventually take leadership roles.
“I’m 80, and I want to retire,” he said.
Post 134 is involved in other local activities, including plans to sponsor a PacWest Little League team next spring and an American Legion program encouraging high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and compete for college scholarships.
But Wednesday's purpose was much simpler.
It was lunch, conversation and a chance for local veterans to shake the hands of the first responders who serve the Burien area and say thank you.
American Legion Post 134 members Peter Arends (left) and Chris Plyman (second from left) thank Burien and King County police officers and King County Fire District 2 firefighters. Post members hope to make the luncheon an annual event. Photo by Katie Kresly, The Highline Journal.
Members Discussion
Highline Journal Comment Guidelines
We believe thoughtful conversation helps communities flourish. We welcome respectful, on-topic comments that engage ideas, not individuals. Personal attacks, harassment, hateful comments, directed profanity, false claims, spam, or sharing private information aren't allowed. Comments aren't edited and may be removed if they violate these guidelines.