SALISBURY — Not even gloomy weather could stop members of Salisbury Assisted Living from not only honoring local firefighters and police officers Wednesday afternoon but feeding them as well.
First responders gathered at the Salisbury Assisted Living Center for the second annual cookout held in their honor.
While the event was primarily held indoors, local seniors still excitedly chatted with first responders while enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs and more.
Salisbury Assisted Living Center resident Judy Howard said living at the Beach Road complex makes her feel like a community member.
“It just feels like a neighborhood. We live here, and they’re here too as neighbors,” Howard said.
The event featured a DJ and food, and allowed seniors to interact with first responders in a non-emergency situation while express their gratitude.
“It gives them a chance to say thank you. They all made nice cards. It gives them a good feeling to be able to talk to them when they’re not laying on a gurney,” Salisbury Assisted Living Center Executive Director Becky Fleming said.
Fleming said Salisbury first responders are often visiting the center to aid residents in distress.
“It’s our thank you to the first responders. They’re in here three to five times a week,” she said.
Salisbury police Chief Tom Fowler said while he was unable to attend the cookout this year, he was grateful to staff and residents.
“I’m very appreciate,” Fowler said. “This is the second year they’ve done it and I really appreciate that they take the time to recognize my officers and all first responders,” Fowler said.
Fleming said the event came about when staff at the center realized residents did not have the opportunity to express their thanks to first responders during emergency situations.
Through the cookout, residents were given the chance to speak face-to-face with those who have helped them during difficult moments.
“Nobody’s thinking of it when you’re having an emergency. You’re not thinking about saying thank you, but after the fact, you’re very grateful for the help that you received and you don’t get that chance to say thank you,” Fleming said.
Julie Lemp, Salisbury Assisted Living Center activities director, agreed with Fleming and said emergency responders treat residents very well.
“They’re so kind and wonderful when they’re here taking care our residents and everybody in town,” Lemp said.
Salisbury police Officer Adam Lischinsky, who was in attendance, said he was happy to provide aid to locals like the center’s residents.
“It’s good. There’s a couple key community events that we do in town. We try to give back to people,” Lischinsky said.
Overall, Fleming said that local first responders are a fixture in the Salisbury community.
“Without them, our community doesn’t flourish or survive. They treat everybody like it’s the first time they’ve seen us, even if they’ve been here twice in a day,” she said.