The Effingham County High School softball team paid tribute to the county's first responders prior to the Lady Rebels' game Friday against South Effingham.

Members of the Guyton, Rincon and Springfield police and fire departments, Effingham County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol and Effingham County EMS were on hand for first responders appreciation night at Rebel Field.

Men and women who serve the county as first responders lined up along the first-base line and were applauded by the crowd. Sgt. Eric McElveen of the Guyton Police Department threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The pre-game ceremony also included recognition of the Guyton Police Department's dog Vegas, who died this week. Vegas lived with Police Chief Randy Alexander and his family for the past nine years, and worked alongside Guyton Police officers in the line of duty.

To watch video of the first responders ceremony, go to the Featured Video section of www.effinghamherald.net.