Rock Island’s Friendship Manor held an emergency responders appreciation luncheon Monday, Aug. 30, to honor the first responders who rush in to help at a moment’s notice.
In a news release after the event, Friendship Manor CEO Ted Pappas thanked them for their tireless service in a news release and stated “Without you our jobs would be much more difficult.”
The retirement community hosts the appreciation luncheon annually. This year, more than 20 local emergency responders attended including Rock Island Fire Chief Robert Graff and Fire Marshal Greg Marty, as well as Rock Island Police Chief Timothy McCloud and Deputy Police Chief James Morris.
Bud Phillis, Friendship Manor Resident Association president, delivered words of appreciation on behalf of Friendship Manor’s residents. “I know how important first responders are. I was in practice as a doctor before they were around,” Dr. Phillis said to the emergency responders.
“A lot of people would not have survived things they are able to now with this modern technology,” he added. “You directly impact the health and wellness of people.”
