‘singing policeman’ return marion new york city policeman 9/11 daniel rodriguez used voice offer comfort grieving families dozens funerals lift nation rendition “god bless americaâ€ televised ceremony terrorist attacks journey taken world brought “singing policemanâ€ marion april 2008 won hearts music message apparently community earned special place internationally renowned tenor’s heart

by stephanie porter nichols
staff

a new york city policeman 9/11 daniel rodriguez used voice offer comfort grieving families dozens funerals lift nation rendition “god bless americaâ€ televised ceremony terrorist attacks journey taken world brought “singing policemanâ€ marion april 2008 won hearts music message apparently community earned special place internationally renowned tenor’s heart
this sunday oct 16 returning smyth county present free concert united methodist church downtown marion love offering taken 7 pm concert help raise money church’s food pantry
during concert sally moorer fumc’s outreach committee chairperson said rodriquez honor emergency responders military service personnel perform inspirational music
moorer struck rodriquez’s apparent fondness smyth county excitement return said spoken people’s kindness moorer said manager told rodriquez spoken highly smyth county wants visit 
“we know wonderful county world renowned attached… really makes feel proudâ€ moorer said
moorer said heard rodriquez sing “voice like angel’sâ€
when rodriquez “god bless americaâ€ christian outreach celebration 2008 brought crowd gathered marion senior high’s stadium feet
at time rodriquez spoke briefly ground zero trade towers fell loss friends urged audience gifts god time nypd officer said gifts come forms including compassion listening ear kindness “they gifts belong share themâ€ said rodriguez 
rodriguez sung life nypd police officer talent better known department’s ceremonial unit 
rodriquez’s wife marla kavanaugh singer daughter accompany marion
“we’re grateful friendship them… we’re trying hereâ€ moorer said 
a love offering taken concert benefit fumc’s food pantry established earlier year moorer said it’s especially encouraging support pantry received community
the pantry cancel one’s month’s food delivery summer feeding america food bank abingdon didn’t supplies available
fumc pastor jonathan jonas said number supporters stepped forward
“we’re grateful marion walmart collecting food… past weeks large collection box food donations store’s main entrance/exit offered shoppers opportunity purchase extra food items food pantry registers really stepped forward help feed community effortâ€
“during summerâ€ jonas said “we received contribution $1000 worth food church jesus christ day saints’ bishops’ storehouse contribution came great time received just feeding america food bank… experiencing food crunchâ€
the pastor said “other individuals churches community monetary contributions volunteered time ensure offer food pantry thursday monthâ€
according jonas average pantry assisting 175 households month according church records average household size people means pantry serving approximately 525 people month
moorer reflected “it warms heart working smiles people’s faces hope you’re helpingâ€
on monday rodriquez share personal journey faith hope program inspirational favorites emory &amp henry’s memorial chapel starting 730 pm admission fee | 783 5121