Danie M. Huffman
wdreporter2@yahoo.com
With the devastating losses accompanying the events which made Sept. 11, 2001, a known day around the world, many first responders came to aid at Ground Zero without being called.
In light of the work which law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and emergency responders of all fields do daily, a coalition initiated them to have a day dedicated in their honor.
A mass release was distributed by the First Response Coalition seeking support of the senate in passing a resolution (S. Res. 215) to make Sept. 25 a recognized holiday called National First Responder Appreciation Day.
In June, a coalition press release stated, “Congress has seen fit to honor pigs and popcorn, catfish and ice cream with national days of recognition, yet there is no national day to honor the heroic firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel who protect our communities.”
Since December 2006, the coalition gathered 5,000 signatures petitioning for the day to be recognized and since then gained the endorsement of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the National Civic League and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The Senate approved of the day and the City of Weatherford is also standing in honor of our local heroes.
During the Sept. 25 city council meeting, the official announcement will be made proclaiming Sept. 25 as National First Responders Appreciation Day.
“While Congress has passed a resolution making Sept. 25 First Responder Recognition Day, I believe the citizens of Weatherford truly appreciate our first responders every day,” said Weatherford Mayor Joe Tison. “I urge citizens to join me on this day, and every time you meet a first responder, in thanking them for all they do. They make our community a safe place for all of us and I am sincerely thankful for their dedication. We also thank their families for sharing their loved ones with us. The sacrifices they make in their family lives should not go unnoticed.”
Acting Assistant City Manager Jerry Blaisdell agreed with Tison, saying, “First responders carry out the critical role of protecting and ensuring public safety,” he said. “They make personal sacrifices and risk their lives every day to keep our city safe. It is only right that they be recognized and honored with such a day as National First Responder Appreciation Day.”
During Tison’s proclamation, all full-time, part-time, reserve and volunteer firefighters and police officers who attend the meeting in uniform will receive certificates of appreciation for their service.
“The citizens of Weatherford are fortunate to have such professional police officers and firefighters available at a moments notice in a time of need,” said Acting City Manager Jennifer Fadden. “We can all rest well at night knowing that one is only a phone call away.”
Local News
First responders honored with a day of their own
- Local News
-
-
Shelter volunteers voice concerns
- TCEQ investigating Briarwood creek
- Board appointed to new ESD
- Facility formations under way at Weatherford College
-
Ramp relocation could open Willow Park development
-
Planning that special day
More than 15 countries around the world to celebrate the art of love via Valentine’s Day.
In Weatherford and Parker County, several businesses, restaurants and venues will open their doors beginning this weekend to commemorate the holiday.
“We’ve already started taking reservations and business has been pretty steady,” Fish Creek owner Joseph Lane said. “It’s always busy around this time of year.” - Man arrested for indecent exposure in Hudson Oaks
- School: parent OK with paddling
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Flooding at issue in other subdivisions
While much attention has been given to the Briarwood subdivision, located off of Santa Fe Drive in Weatherford, during the last two months storm water drainage issues have occurred in additional subdivisions and concerned homeowners. This has been an ongoing issue for many areas throughout the city.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
