City of Laurens invites residents to share messages of thanks for first responders

The City of Laurens is asking residents to take a moment this week to thank the men and women who answer the call in an emergency.

In recognition of Sept. 11, the city has partnered with the Laurens Police Department and the Laurens Fire Department on a community appreciation effort inviting residents to submit messages of thanks, encouragement and support for local first responders.

Messages can be submitted online by clicking here. Residents can also leave a note of appreciation in the comments section of the city’s announcement on its official Facebook page.

City officials said the goal is simple: to give the community a way to show its gratitude to the officers, firefighters and emergency personnel who serve Laurens every day, often at hours and in circumstances most people never see.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, which claimed the lives of 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers and eight emergency medical technicians and paramedics who responded that morning in New York City. The date has since become an annual occasion across the country to honor first responders and those who continue to serve in their place.

Submissions are open now, and residents are encouraged to share the link with neighbors, coworkers and church and civic groups so as many voices as possible are represented.