Cruisin’ on Sunset: Car show raises appreciation and funds for 911 dispatchers

Written by Nick Yamashita
May 14, 2023

ST. GEORGE — Engines were roaring and emergency lights flashing as both car enthusiasts and supporters of 911 dispatchers cruised Sunset Boulevard to Beau’s Carquest Auto Parts for a charitable car show.

Multiple people attended the NENA 911 Dispatch First Responders Car Show on Sunset Blvd., St. George, Utah, May 13, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

The 911 Dispatch First Responder Car Show started bright and early on Saturday morning in the parking lot of the car parts store at 920 North 2100 West.

With around 40 entries, the show saw hundreds of attendees throughout the day.

The event was hosted by National Emergency Numbers Association (NENA), Utah Chapter to raise funds to assist 911 dispatchers throughout the state. The funds pay for training, including in-person opportunities to maintain National 911 Standards, Dispatcher Mental Health/Wellness training and up-to-date Next Gen Equipment.

“This is our first time in Southern Utah doing this,” N.E.N.A. Second Vice President Julie Packer said.

Packer, a 911 emergency dispatcher locally with St. George Communications, said the organization has done four annual shows, but all have previously been held in northern Utah.

She said Carquest was happy to support the event, adding that one of their employees previously worked in law enforcement.

Other N.E.N.A. officers who were present included President Annalee Stoker, also with St. George Communications, and Immediate Past President Spencer Harrison, from Summit County 9-1-1.

There were also food vendors and a live DJ for music. A drawing was held which included multiple prizes donated from local businesses which included 2 Hours at Big Shots Golf, $500 towards tires at B.T. Pearson Tires, a $50 Gift Card for Rib Chop House, a Razor Scooter, restaurant gift cards, a six-hour Jeep tour amongst many more prizes.

AJ Musgrave and Oliver Lefevre get excited for the prizes for the drawing at the car show on Sunset Blvd., St. George, Utah, May 13, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

911 dispatchers Candice Musgrave and Katie Lefevre watched as their boys eagerly watched the prizes, especially a pair of remote control cars — one a police car, the other a fire truck.

A.J. Musgrave wanted the fire truck while Oliver Lefevre wanted both.

“We are so thankful for being noticed today,” Musgrave said. “It is amazing how many people don’t know who 911 dispatchers are and they don’t realize how much we do.”

St. George Police Department’s SWAT vehicle was on-site for tours. Gold Cross Ambulance, Utah Department of Transportation Incident Management and St. George Fire Department had vehicle units on location. And Utah Highway Patrol brought a ’50 Ford Custom Deluxe police vehicle to display.

Packer said there were 10 categories for the car show with a winner for each category, adding the kids could vote for their favorite car too.

The Best in Show Award and the Kid’s Choice Award were both claimed by a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro owned by Gary and Kathy Hicken.

The People’s Choice Award went to Dan and Lona Sheidmiller for a 1955 Ford Thunderbird. They also won the Best Interior title.

The UHP ’50 Ford Custom Deluxe police vehicle at the car show on Sunset Blvd., St. George, Utah, May 13, 2023 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

The other winners are as follows:

  • Best All Original – Craig Winder, 1930 Chevy
  • Best Antique – Jack Pettit, 1928 Model A
  • Best Classic – John Kostandin, 1960 Chevy Impala
  • Best Late Model – Justin Hignite, 2017 Dodge Challenger
  • Best Muscle – Rick Floriani, 1969 Ford Mustang
  • Best Paint – Jerry Farrar, 1966 Ford Fairlane
  • Best Truck – Bill Duncan, 1965 Chevy C20

“It has been great. Beautiful weather,” Packer said. “We have had amazing sponsors and great support from first responders and the community. We are so grateful for the support given to us.”

 

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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