Appreciation event for local fire and police stations
To show appreciation to our local first responders, the Gulf Coast Hub for Volunteers and Nonprofits hosted an appreciation event.
Firefighter Philip Biancamano said, “They say the easiest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
If what Gulfport Firefighter Philip Biancamano says is true, multiple first responders on the Coast are feeling loved. An appreciation event on Friday fed police and firefighters in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties, giving them gifts and thanking them for their service. “Thank you goes a really long way in this profession because that’s mostly what you’re doing it for, to help the community and make a better quality of life for somebody.”
The event was put on by the Gulf Coast Hub as September 11th is National Day of Service and Remembrance, taking place on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people including more than 400 first responders.
This event is a way to show gratitude to those that oftentimes put their lives on the line to protect us. Gulfport PD PIO Sgt. Jason Ducre said, “I feel blessed to work in a community that shows appreciation like this and brings us foods and donuts, it’s amazing.”
Local restaurants, distributors, and companies have donated meals, gifts, and services totaling almost $100,000 in contributions for the event. Bridget Turan with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Hub for Volunteers said, “Three years ago, when I started this, I decided to serve lunch to one station or one district. Next year I did four more agencies and this year we’re at 68 different stations.”
“For the community to come reach out to us, it just means so much.”
