At 9 a.m. on Monday, October 25th, Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee signed a proclamation to declare October 28, 2021 First Responder Appreciation Day in the City of Laurel.
The proclamation read as follows:
Whereas, individuals, both career and volunteer, from 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, fire, emergency, medical services, search and rescue, dive and other organizations in the public safety sector, come together as first responders to protect and aid the public in the event of an emergency; and
Whereas, first responders provide the single most important role in keeping Laurel/Jones County safe; and
Whereas, first responders protect us and provide lifesaving care to those in need twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week – often placing themselves in harm’s way to do so; and
Whereas, first responders are a vital part of every community who maintain safety and order in times of crisis; and
Whereas, Laurel/Jones County is fortunate to have highly-trained, deeply committed men and women serving this community as first responders; and
Whereas, the City of Laurel wishes to express gratitude to our first responders for their dedicated service and in acknowledging their vital role in the quality of life for our citizens
Now, therefore, I, Johnny Magee, Mayor of the City of Laurel, Mississippi, do hereby proclaim October 28, 2021 First Responder Appreciation Day in the City of Laurel, and encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
In observance of First Responders Appreciation Day, the Nahoula Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and the Veteran’s Memorial Museum in Laurel will host a reception at the Veteran’s Memorial Museum at 920 Hillcrest Drive in Laurel on Thursday, October 28th from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
The event will feature free donuts provided by Garcia’s Donuts as well as coffee and juice. The event is open to all active and retired law enforcement officials, fire fighters, EMT/paramedics, dispatchers, hospital staff members, power company staff members, National Guard members, and veterans.
It will be held as a drive-though event, although those who wish to tour the museum while they are there will be welcomed to do so. There will also be a drawing for a gift certificate to The Knight Butcher.
The proclamation and reception are part of a larger National First Responders Day that was established by the United States Senate in 2019 that designating each October 28th as National First Responders Day.