Americorps hosted first responders recognition lunch

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A local group is honoring first responders for their endless dedication to the community.

The Americorps Ohio College Guide hosted its sixth annual first responders lunch at Grace United Methodist Church. The lunch for firefighters, EMS, and police is a way for the foundation to give back to the community.

Event organizer Stevey Willey said,

“Today is our first responders lunch. As part of an Americorps member we have to do five service projects and so one of them is today. And so we decided that since the first responders do so much for our community we’d do something special for them.”

For the first responders, the lunch is a way for them to take a quick break from their daily duties and enjoy the gratitude the community shares. It’s also a time for them to connect with the community and share how important it is for residents and first responders to work together.

“I would like to thank them, the community, not just my village where I work, but the City of Zanesville the people of Muskingum County,” said Chief Eric Finley of South Zanesville Police. “We have we have great support and I want to thank each and every one… that the people that live here that help us out because we can’t do our jobs without the general public. They have to be our eyes and ears. We can’t be in the same places all the time”

Volunteers from across the city come together to make the event special with different companies offering donations of food and services.

The event typically feeds over 100 first responders throughout the day.