During Thursday's noontime hour, there were several emergency vehicles in the parking lot of Bridgeport Middle School. Inside the cafeteria, our city’s firemen, policemen and other first responders were enjoying a school-made pepperoni roll lunch, served by BMS Student Council. It was a first-time event; one already earmarked an annual tradition, said Principal Dave Mazza.

 

“This is part of our give-back program to the community and it’s just a small token of our appreciation,” he said. “The kids really wanted to do something nice for our first responders and we’ve already designated Dec. 14 as First Responder Day at BMS.”

 

Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Dr. Mark Manchin was in attendance, joining Police Chief John Walker, Deputy Police Chief Randy Hartley and Prevention Resource Officer Jamie Hamrick for lunch.

 

“First responders are so critical to our health and safety and they do such an incredible job,” Manchin said. “It’s great that BMS and its students recognize this. I see so many (first responders) here today and I know they appreciate it and we certainly want to show our appreciation for the job they do.”

 

Walker said it’s always great for first responders to be part of the community and have opportunity to interact with the younger generation.

 

“This is a good rapport-building event for us,” he said. “They went to a lot of hard work to make this happen. It shows their appreciation to us and we appreciate them.”

 

Hartley said it was heart-warming to receive a series of high-fives as the officers walked by the tables of students. He said the officers even received a standing ovation, but he attributed that to the attendance of the school’s PRO officer, Jamie Hamrick.

 

“When you walk in and they all cheer for you, it lets me know, at least, that I’m doing a decent job bridging the gap between (the kids) and the police officers; letting them know we’re always here to help," Hamrick said.

 

Police Officer Bart Sayers is a 2000 graduate of Bridgeport High School and former BMS student. He said eating at the school cafeteria brought back a lot of memories. 

 

In addition to holiday decorations, the cafeteria featured balloons, stars and American flags in honor of the first responders. There was also a cake bearing a message of appreciation. 

 

Violet Sickles and Jade Nguyen are two of the BMS Student Council members who initiated and worked the event. They were not only serving food, but also making a statement.

 

“Most kids today stay on their iPads and phones and we think it’s important to help out with people who are helping us,” Sickles said.

 

Nguyen said she enjoyed interacting with our city’s first responders and getting to know more about them.

 

Some of the officers stuck around after lunch to talk with kids and even shoot a few hoops in the school gymnasium.

 

See more photos of today’s First Responder Luncheon at the gallery link below.