Buchanan’s office delivers valentines to veterans serving Longboat Key

Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue officers received an early Valentine’s Day surprise. 

Representatives with Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office delivered the surprise to officers and firefighter paramedics within the Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue Departments on Feb. 6. 

The representatives showed up to deliver the Valentine’s Day cards handmade by local students in Manatee County. Each one was personally decorated and unique. 

“They each had their own little touch on them,” Adams said. “They had these sweet messages inside, thanking them for their service and wishing them a happy Valentine’s Day. It was great.”

Between the two departments, there were 14 veterans — 10 in the police department and four in the fire rescue department.

According to an email from Adams, over 4,000 Valentine’s Day cards were made by the students and delivered to other veterans in the area. Adams said Buchanan’s office reached out about a week prior to coordinate the surprise. 

The “Valentines for Veterans” initiative, which Adams believes will continue in the future, helped bring a little joy to the officers’ days. 

“Our police and fire veterans were honored to have received them and, as you can see in the photos, brought smiles to their faces,” Adams said in an email. 

Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino, who also received one of the Valentines himself, said his officers were thankful for the unexpected delivery. 

"They're very appreciative of anything the community does for them," Rubino said. "It really meant a lot to them for someone who isn't even on the island to appreciate them like that."