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.”
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