A program to activate first responders kicked off Wednesday morning in Lauderdale County. The campaign is designed to utilize the knowledge of law enforcement and firefighters in a way you might not think about. On a typical day, the Florence-Lauderdale Visitors Center is chock-full of tourists. Wednesday morning things were a little different; the visitors were wearing guns and badges.
“We need to be an ambassador for this community, and help encourage people to come visit and tour different places and visit all the things we have to showcase,” stated Florence Police Chief Ron Tyler.
Tourism leaders are deputizing law enforcement and firefighters, arming them with information about what the Shoals has to offer. They are groups normally the most visible in a community.
A tourist's positive experience with a first responder can go a long way. Tourism officials say it shows the community is open for business to those visiting.