With their heads bent in prayer, members of a South Toledo church dedicated its service Sunday to honoring the community’s first responders.

Hope Baptist Church on South Avenue held the first Public Servant Appreciation Day, which it hopes to make an annual event. Assistant Pastor Jonathan Marshall said the event is similar to one the church holds to recognize veterans every November.

“Our hope is that they know how appreciated they are, and how important we think their job is,” Mr. Marshall said.

Several Toledo police officers, including Chief George Kral, and firefighters attended.

“It’s very touching that they’d take a day to recognize first responders,” Chief Kral said. “That means a lot of us.”

Chris Hofacker, who retired from the Sandusky Police Department as a lieutenant and is now in the ministry, was the guest speaker. He said there is a growing anti-law-enforcement sentiment in the country, and citizens are often too quick to place blame.

“There’s so much negative press today on things that are going on with law enforcement,” he said. “We want to push the reset button and take things back to what’s reality. There’s a lot more positive than negative, but it’s only the negative that’s getting reported.”

Mr. Hofacker said police officers and firefighters risk their lives every day to protect their communities, and go to work never knowing for certain that they will return to their families.

“We want people to understand the risks that are involved,” he said. “Most people that are standing against them wouldn’t do the job they are doing, wouldn’t be out there putting their lives on the line doing the things they do every day.”

He recognized Pvts. Stephen Machcinski, 42, and James Dickman, 31, two Toledo firefighters killed Jan. 26, 2014, while fighting a fire on Magnolia Street. Ray Abou-Arab, 61, of 1131 Sierra Dr., who owned the building, is facing trial on counts of aggravated murder, aggravated arson, and other charges stemming from the blaze.

Mr. Hofacker also recognized Toledo Detective Keith Dressel, who was shot to death in the line of duty Feb. 21, 2007, in the 1400 block of North Ontario Street. Robert Jobe, who was 15 at the time, is serving 15 years to life in prison for murder.

The church has pledged to pray for, support, and thank area first responders as often as possible.

“I think the church is going to walk away with a greater recognition as they see officers, as they see firefighters, to say yes, I’m praying for you and I support you,” Mr. Marshall said.

Chief Kral said the event was a good starting point for discussions, but more is needed.

“This is a challenging time for not just law enforcement, but everyone in this country,” he said. “We need to start bridging that gap and start opening dialogue and talking more so we can get back to better relations.”

Contact Alexandra Mester: amester@theblade.com, 419-724-6066, or on Twitter @AlexMesterBlade.

First Published March 16, 2015, 4:00 a.m.