All local first responders will be treated to free breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday for EMS Appreciation Day.
All first responders including EMTs, law enforcement officers and firefighters are welcome.
Breakfast will be served from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church Texarkana, 3015 Moores Lane. Free lunch and dinner will be available to first responders in the area from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all Big Jake's Bar-B-Que restaurants in both Texarkanas.
"We are excited to support those who protect, service and care for our community," said Dr. Matt Young of Texarkana Emergency Center. The idea for the event was Young's.
Sponsors for this third annual event include Texarkana Emergency Center, Fox Sports Radio 1400, Farmers Bank and Trust and LifeNet.
"I think that it's important to thank all first responders for their hard work and service to our community," said James Bramlett, president of Farmers Bank and Trust in Texarkana. "... It's the least we can do."
Big Jake's owner Matt Palmer said he's helping because he's grateful for all first responders.
Fox Sports Radio 1400 will broadcast live from three of the sites and give away free prizes and free Texas Rangers tickets. Everyone is welcome to come to the remote broadcasts to show their support for first responders.
"I would hope they do (come to the remote broadcasts). When others run from danger, our first responders head for it. They are heroes," said Bob DelGiorno, the radio station's owner.
Fox Sports Radio will broadcast live from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. from First Baptist Church Texarkana; from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Big Jake's at 1521 Arkansas Blvd. in Texarkana, Ark.; and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Big Jake's at 5710 Richmond Road on the Texas side.
Mayors Ruth Penney-Bell of Texarkana, Ark., Bob Bruggerman of Texarkana, Texas, will make a proclamation declaring May 23 EMS Appreciation Day in the cities. They are expected to arrive about 7:15 a.m. at First Baptist Church Texarkana via a LifeNet Helicopter.
For more information about the event, call DelGiorno at 870-648-8878.