Local first responders enjoyed a barbecue lunch Tuesday thanks to the staff of Arkansas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and other volunteers.
"We just wanted to do something cool for the community and thank the first responders that everyone relies on," said Steve Matlock, director of business development and assistant administrator for Arkansas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Texarkana, Ark.
Matlock said Arkansas Nursing and Rehab employees have provided lunches to police officers before, but this was the first year they also included firefighters, emergency medical technicians and all first responders.
"It's May and it's getting warm outside. It's the start of the "Silly Season," when there are more accidents," Matlock said.
He said first responders are also busier this time of year with end-of-school events and the beginning of summer.
Matlock said he hopes the lunch will be an annual one, held the Tuesday before Mother's Day.
"We just want to give back to them," he said.
First responders who stopped by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the center on Dudley Street in Texarkana, Ark., all received a barbecue sandwich, chips, cookies and water. They could take their lunch to go or eat it at a picnic table.
Texarkana, Ark., Police Officer Garrett Durham said he appreciated the lunch as he took it with him on patrol.
"Some of them don't have a lot of time for lunch," Matlock said.
Matlock said any leftover food would be donated to the Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter.