MOUNT VERNON, Ill. -- First responders in one southern Illinois county were shown some love this holiday season.
It was called the 2023 Christmas for Heroes program, bringing in first responders from across the Jefferson County area to hand them a gift of thanks.
The event was held at the Primary Center in Mount Vernon, where first responders, including police, firefighters, ambulance and others, were each provided a big fruit box and homemade Christmas cards.
“Being a first responder, no matter what type of first responder you are, you never hear the word thank you enough,� Christmas for Heroes Board Member Donte Moore said. “So, those are the guys that are the first ones in the door and the last ones out the door. This program right here, it’s all about love and saying, ‘Hey, Merry Christmas, and we appreciate you.�... When you have over, I wanna say two-thousand cards, going to all the first responders, that means something.�
“For these children to understand that that’s the true heroes in our community,� Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard said. “It doesn’t have to be anyone wearing a uniform or a badge; anyone who steps up and puts other people ahead of themselves is a hero. And, to instill those kinds of values to our school children, I think it’s the most important thing that we do.�
The program also provided refreshments for everyone as well.
