Celebrating local first responders
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies proudly stand in front of the handmade sign of thanks given on behalf of the American Academy first graders.
On October 28, first grade students at American Academy celebrated first responders on National First Responders Day (NFRD). The children shared breakfast, notes of thanks and heartfelt conversations with officers from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
NFRD recognizes the service and sacrifice of the nation’s EMS responders – dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and anyone who puts his or her life in danger to keep communities safe.
Students are given the opportunity to speak with first responders to learn more about their everyday roles.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders support the communities where they live.
NFRD has a compelling history. When police officer Sean Collier was killed during the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, his brother Andrew began a nationwide movement of support for first responders. And although many states already had designated days to honor first responders (including Colorado), the movement grew and eventually reached the U.S. Senate floor. In 2019, NFRD became an officially observed day every October 28.
Then-Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock and officers enjoyed their day of honor at AA and noted their gratitude for those serving on the frontlines.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies educate students on how they can keep themselves safe during times of emergency.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy
