YOU HAVE MY HEART GALA

The FRS You Have My Heart Gala is our signature annual event and the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts for the year. This meaningful evening brings together community leaders, businesses, and residents to honor the firefighters, EMTs, emergency telecommunications professionals, and law enforcement officers who serve Boone County and its municipalities with courage, dedication, and sacrifice.

Headshot of a bald man in a black suit, white shirt, and navy blue tie with white dots, smiling subtly against a gray background.

Johnny Wingate, President

Johnny Wingate is co-owner of Crosshair Pest Control in Columbia and a co-founder of First Responder Support.

Johnny brings a unique perspective to the mission of supporting first responders. Like most children, Johnny didn’t aspire to be a drug addict. He wanted to be a hero, a man who would protect others.

He was a law enforcement Explorer, he enrolled in a police cadet academy, and he attended law enforcement seminars with his goal firmly in mind. Johnny’s unseen struggles as a teen drove him to drug and alcohol addiction, and the criminal activity that came along with his addiction.

During his dark time, Johnny interacted with many law enforcement officers and other first responders. Although many of these interactions were unpleasant, given the circumstances, Johnny’s aversion and resentment eventually turned to gratitude.

Johnny recognizes the great sacrifices that first responders make for the residents of Boone County and he is committed to supporting these men and women and their families.