The Kanawha City Community Association is holding an event on Saturday to show appreciation to first responders.
Ditty Markham, a co-chairwoman of the event, said the group wanted to show gratitude to people "who maybe aren't making the most money for their jobs, but are really putting their lives at risk."
Police, emergency medical technicians and firefighters assigned to Kanawha City were invited to attend.
"While this event was in the planning stages long before the recently publicized attacks on the police, it seems especially appropriate to give the responders some visible evidence of encouragement at this time," Markham said. "While we seldom hear of attacks on EMTs and firefighters, the recent drug epidemic has put them in situations in which they are at risk."
The event will be held at noon at Horace Mann Middle School. After a public ceremony, a private luncheon will be held at Morris Memorial Methodist Church for first responders and their guests.
Markham thanked several people, including her co-chairman Rich Chapman, volunteers who are providing home-cooked food for the luncheon, and others. She said, "This has truly been a group effort."
A community choir will sing. She said they have been rehearsing the song "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban.
"I went just to take pictures and they talked me into staying," she said. "I haven't sung in a choir for 40 years, probably ... I'm having fun doing it even though I sing like a frog."
Organizers will also recognize the Kanawha City police officer, firefighter and EMT of the year.
Police and fire departments will have vehicles and equipment on display. Information on how to start a neighborhood watch group will be available.
Children can get their picture taken in a cardboard police car and apply temporary police and fire tattoos.
For one week starting Friday, numerous Kanawha City residents also will display blue lights at their homes in a show of appreciation.
The community association formed in the 1990s to prevent Wal-Mart from locating in Kanawha City and since then has worked on various efforts, including improving public safety, beautification and revitalization.
Markham said the event is also a result of more recent efforts to be more visible in the community and promote better relationships among neighbors.
"It used to be in Kanawha City you knew your neighbors," she said. "A safe community is when you look out for each other."
Reach Erin Beck at
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