LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– This Labor Day, Olive Garden honored first responders for their hard work and sacrifices.
All 850 restaurants nationwide delivered a “thank you” lunch to a first responder organization in their community. This included fire stations, police departments, and emergency rooms.
LEX 18’s Mike Valente tagged along for a delivery to the Lexington Fire Department.
For the self-dubbed “mall rats” of Station 15, Labor Day is just another day on the job.
“We’re not at the lake, we’re not at the beach. We’re here working, like every other day,” said Lieutenant David Sullivan.
Getting free food is just one less thing to worry about for the first responders at Station 15, but it’s the sentiment behind the food that means even more.
“It is something little. Just saying, we are thinking of you,” said restaurant manager Phillip Cook.
It is fitting the Cook is the one delivering the message to Station 15.
“My dad was actually a police officer for many years and he actually trained police officers in Richmond, where I grew up. So, it’s always been a part of my family to appreciate that kind of things,” said Cook.
This is the Italian food chain’s 17th year of performing the service.
