LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The nature of their jobs often times require that they break social distancing rules in order to assist those in need. That fact was not lost on the people inside Richmond’s Dominion Senior Living facility, who invited first responders for a curb-side lunch and a parade around the neighborhood..
“This is just an opportunity for the seniors to say thank you to the community and first responders who are out working every day,” said Mandy Henninger who handles communications for the facility.
Members of Kentucky State Police Post-7, the Richmond Fire Department, Madison County EMS and the Richmond Police Department began filing in at 12:30 to grab their lunch. They ate alone in their vehicles while waiting for the 1 pm parade to begin.
“I wasn’t even planning to eat lunch today,” Officer Matt Hannan from the police department said. “So it does feel really good that they’re doing this, and hopefully we can do something back for them."
They already have. That’s why Dominion’s personnel wanted to return the favor.
“A big thank you, through a small gesture,” Henninger said.
Many of the cars along the short parade route were filled with the children and grand children of the residents here. Given their ages, residents are naturally at high-risk so visitors are not allowed. Today’s tribute was able to serve two purposes, as relatives had a chance to visit from a distance.
“They’re doing okay,” Henninger said of the residents here. “They’re strong and we’re a strong community.”
Today, they made a strong statement about just how much they appreciate the first responders who are putting themselves in the line of fire on a daily basis.
