First Responders Celebration brings smiles, tasty eats to those who sacrifice in Easton

EASTON, Md. – First responders getting an extra thank you, and a bite to eat, in Easton on Wednesday. It was all part of the third annual First Responders Celebration.

First Responders Celebration

First responders from all over Talbot County, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and members of Bluepoint Hospitality group were all on hand. Bluepoint Hospitality, which oversees several swanky spots in the area, handed out 613 $100 gift cards to local favorites.

“A lot of the members of the community have joined in, as well, and participate,” said Bluepoint Hospitality founder, Paul Prager. “I think that the responders themselves are more excited about receiving the attention, because these are pretty humble people that serve.”

That encouragement was tangible on the corner of West and Dover Streets as the celebration got underway.

“You would not believe the impact that has on our young men and women who are just getting into the field. We really need to encourage those young ones, because the amount of applicants is dropping nationwide,” said Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble. “It means a lot to our first responder community, and I think it means a lot to our community to recognize the people who do sacrifice a lot for the rest of us.”

Supporting Those Who Sacrifice

The tradition started as a way to help carry first responders through the COVID-19 pandemic. It made a big impact back then, and has only grown since.

“I think it’s important that our people who are here as first responders feel adequately compensated for the risks they take, and the risks their families suffer through,” said Prager. “I think it’s brought the community together, and it’s really important. It’s more important for the first responders’ families, I think, to know that their husbands and wives and sons and daughters are out there, and appreciated.”

Lift For Local Business

It’s also a nice lift for local business, as they head into the busy summer season, says Comptroller Lierman.

“It’s great to be able to provide gift cards, which Bluepoint does, to all of their venues around Easton. It encourages folks to get out, and shop local, which we always like to encourage people to do, as well,” said the Comptroller. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our state’s economy. When you go to your local bookshop, instead of buying a book online, you’re supporting your neighbor, their kids, the entire state community, and your local community, as well.”

“Just a simple ‘thank you,'”

This isn’t the only way that first responders and Bluepoint Hospitality have teamed up. Earlier this year, 60 Bluepoint staff members were certified in CPR, AED, first aid, and stop the bleed. Sheriff Gamble says support from Bluepoint has been overwhelming. However, he says there are even simpler ways the community can support first responders.