September 27th - First Responder Appreciation Day

The press release below was sent out Tuesday and can be seen in the Fairplay Flume. As of today, we have had Tennessee, West Virginia and Louisiana send in proclamations making a total of 22 states. Please help us spread the word about First Responder Appreciation Day and most importantly, thank your local first responders for all they do.


The creation of a National First Responder Appreciation Day is being driven by people within Colorado. Colorado took the lead when Governor Ritter proclaimed September 27, 2010 as First Responder Appreciation Day in Colorado. Beginning in 2011, State Senator Mark Scheffel embraced the idea and has sponsored resolutions through the Colorado legislature each year. Senator Scheffel’s efforts have been co-sponsored by many others and at the time of each unanimous vote, the complete roll call has been added as co-sponsors of the resolutions.

Efforts continue at a national level to officially declare a National First Responder Day. Congress and the White House have declined to establish a National Day, which honors our first responders. However, this year, nineteen states have signed on, designating September 27 as First Responder Appreciation Day. Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming have all proclaimed September 27, 2014 as First Responder Appreciation Day, in their respective states.

Each year we celebrate unofficial National Days for ice cream, hot dogs, bow ties and the like. The term first responders is all inclusive of individuals who have committed themselves to the safety of the citizens of the United States and beyond. They are there keeping our roads safe, protecting us from peril and responding to tragedies of all degrees. They collectively respond when we need them most. They deserve our recognition and appreciation. Please help us in spreading the word and honoring our everyday heroes. An official National Day will come, until then, please help us in honoring our first responders.


I dropped off Kolaches to the folks at the Platte Canyon Fire Station as part of my thanks. Please do whatever you can to let your first responders know they are appreciated. We are tracking actions from people on our Facebook page. Below is the link, please feel free to add what you did to thank your first responders.

www.facebook.com/1stresponderda ... comments=5