Community of Heroes Celebration to Honor Muskegon County First Responders with Weeklong Events
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Muskegon will honor its first responders with a weeklong Community of Heroes Celebration running Jan. 30 through Feb. 6, 2026. The series of events will recognize police officers, firefighters and their families through art, music, sports and community recognition.
The celebration begins Friday, Jan. 30, with a Community Heroes Dinner and Recognition Night, culminating at the West Michigan Symphony’s “Superheroes at the Symphony” performance at the Frauenthal Center. First responders will be honored from the stage, with dinner provided beforehand for 100 police and fire personnel and their guests. Meals will also be delivered to precincts and fire stations across Muskegon County for those on duty.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Muskegon Museum of Art will host a special evening of hors d’oeuvres and guided tours through The Art of Comics — a 5,000-square-foot celebration of comic and superhero art curated by Muskegon’s own Scott Rosema, a longtime Marvel X-Men illustrator.
The week concludes Friday, Feb. 6, when the Muskegon Lumberjacks dedicate their annual Mascot Night to first responders, with special recognitions planned during the game.
“The idea for the Community of Heroes Celebration was born from conversations about collaboration — between the arts, our first responders and our community,” said Bob Garretson, event organizer and candidate for Muskegon mayor. “We’re lifting up the people who protect us and doing it in a way that connects all of Muskegon — through music, art and teamwork.”
Garretson said the inspiration came while speaking with firefighters and police officers during his campaign, when he heard that many felt deeply supported by residents but would appreciate recognition of how all first responders work together across our communities.
“Every firefighter or officer I talked to expressed pride in their work and gratitude for the public’s support,” Garretson said. This week is about showing what that looks like: all of Muskegon standing together to honor those who protect us.”
Garretson developed the concept and worked with partners at the West Michigan Symphony, Muskegon Museum of Art and the Muskegon Lumberjacks to make it a reality. He said the event reflects a broader goal of fostering collaboration across sectors — mirroring how first responders already work together across jurisdictions to keep residents safe.
Andrea Rose, who joins the expanded planning team, said the week will highlight “the unity and pride that make Muskegon special,” adding that each event “honors the people who protect, serve and inspire us.”
Event Timeline
• Friday, January 30: Dinner, Superheroes at the Symphony concert, and first responder recognition – West Michigan Symphony / Frauenthal Center
• Thursday, February 5: Hors d’oeuvres and guided tours of The Art of Comics – Muskegon Museum of Art
• Friday, February 6: Mascot Night and first responder recognition – Muskegon Lumberjacks
Meals will be delivered to stations and precincts to ensure all on-duty personnel are included.
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