Cuffe-McGinn salutes Lynn public safety workers

LYNN – The fire was roaring, multiple fire trucks and police cruisers were on scene, and everybody seemed to be relaxing and having a good time as Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home employees grilled up dogs, burgers and steak for city emergency workers.”All of these people work every day to take care of us,” said Sally Cuffe, who ran the funeral home with her husband for many years. “It’s our way of showing that we as a group appreciate what they do.”This is the second year Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home has held a cookout for city public safety workers. Last year, the funeral home grilled up 100 hamburgers and 100 hot dogs for city firefighters and police officers, according to Tom Newhall, funeral home manager. He said that this year they moved the event to a weekday, doubled the amount of burgers and dogs, added 150 shish-kebabs and expanded the guest list to include workers at Lynn District Court and emergency medical technicians.”We just felt it was way overdue for somebody to acknowledge all the public servants and the work they do,” said Matt Roan, assistant manager at the funeral home.Fire personnel “responded to the scene” just after noon Thursday, starting a steady stream of firefighters and police officers to tables set up underneath a tent on the lawn of the funeral home.Meanwhile, about 30 employees at the funeral home formed another steady stream to resupply the grill with burgers, dogs and tips to the grill, and condiments, drinks and desserts to the buffet.”This is great, I love it,” said 27-year veteran firefighter Alphonzo Ancrum. He said he and his fellow jakes normally try to cook meals at the firehouse, as homemade meals are generally more nutritious.But it doesn’t happen all the time.”We prefer to cook – it’s better for you. Plus, you get tired of takeout,” acknowledged firefighter Aaron Bradbury.Lynn Police Sgt. Glenn Dunnigan said he was piling up on rice pilaf to get carbs for his bike patrol.”This is a great treat,” he said. But he was referring to more than just the food.”It’s nice to hang out with the fire guys,” Dunnigan continued. He said the two departments of course see each other regularly responding to calls and also see each other on the softball diamond.”But it’s nice to see them a little bit when you’re kind of off the job.”Not that crackling radios didn’t cause ears to perk up and cause pauses in conversation. But fire trucks arriving at and departing the scene honked horns in thanks, not to warn cars to get out of the way.The public safety officials weren’t the only people offering thanks.”It’s a good way to give back,” Sally Cuffe said of the event. “We’re very thankful.”Cyrus Moulton can be reached at [email protected].