An Eastern Shore heroes’ thank you ceremony, honors first responders
EASTON, Md. – A simple thank you, that’s what community members and Talbot County officials wanted to say to all first responders for their work over the past year and beyond. However, we’re told a simple thank you doesn’t cover the hustle and dedication of those first responders, day in and day out. “People might differ on opinions but we can all gather to support our first responders,” says Talbot County Sheriff, Joe Gamble.
In honor of first responders, community leaders came together to give a big thank you to first responders. “First responders, they’re an extension of everything, they’re life and death of our medical crisis,” says Paul Prager, owner of Bluepoint Hospitality Group. He adds, “I think these men and women are just unbelievable, they’re unique and they deserve to be recognized and that’s why we did it.”
Prager tell us, he worked together with other local businesses to donate $50,000 to nearly 500 first responders throughout the county. We’re told the donation was in the form of $100 gift cards, and could be used in over 45 downtown businesses. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen was also on hand at the event to express his gratitude. “We should have disagreements in a civil way, but we should always agree on one thing, and that is that the men and women who are on the front lines of serving us deserve our gratitude, our thanks, and our support,” says Sen. Van Hollen.
Sen. Van Hollen says first responders put their life on the line every day to protect and serve, but their commitment to the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic really proves how far those first responders are willing to go. “Any call that comes in whether it’s during the pandemic or any other time, you know could be a call where that’s the last time you say goodbye,” says Sen. Van Hollen.
Sheriff Gamble was moved to tears, as he thanked the community for supporting them. “It’s a community, we know each other we care about each other we might have different views, different opinions but we can share them and sit down and talk about it.” says Sheriff Gamble. Prager adds, “We should be humble and grateful for the service of the first responders and recognize in whatever situation they’re in, they have no idea what they’re walking into.”
We’re told Monday’s event was apart of a two week long event called, “First Responders Celebration. Organizers say they plan to make it an yearly tradition to thank first responders for their tireless work.
The celebration ends June 27th.
