Community honors Rapides firefighters at 'Appreciation Day' event
Firefighters from all over the parish gathered in Alexandria on Saturday morning for Firefighter Appreciation Day.
Families, friends, and just folks around the community showed up at the mega-shelter next to LSUA to support those who face the fire every day, and to remember those who died in action.
Coordinators also honored families of fallen firefighters, and handed out 'Firefighters of the Year' awards.
Among those attending were some elected officials, there to leave a message of gratitude to these firefighters.
"They run into the fire, they run toward the fire, when the rest of us would run the other way,” said Rep. Ralph Abraham. “So what makes that particular person do that? Well they just believe in a purpose. So it's a hard felt profession and a passion."
"A lot of the time they don't get a ‘thank you’ for what they do,” expressed Fire Chief Randy McCain, Firefighters Association Chairman. “Well today whenever they leave we want them to know they are loved. And that's what we want to do. We know our firefighters make a difference on a daily basis in our parish, and today we want to make a difference in their lives."
This is the 25th year the community has come out for the Firefighters Appreciation event.