Gallatin Valley residents gathered in Bozeman on Monday for the Day of Appreciation event to celebrate our first responders, and their commitment to the community.
It takes dozens of agencies to serve the Gallatin Valley, but protecting, responding to, and providing care all starts with one phone call. Although Lacy Moore, administrative assistant for Gallatin County 911, says it’s so much more than a phone call.
Emergency responders say that while many citizens are aware of law enforcement’s responsibilities, they don’t always know the depth of those connections in the community. Monday’s first responder appreciation event give the public a chance to put a face to the community emergency response officials, with attendees getting a firsthand look at how they keep us safe.
The event also gave first responders the chance to spend time together, something they say is key to operating efficiently.
Bruce Hennequin, Fire Marshal with the Central Valley Fire District, says, “It’s super important to have relationships with other responders. I mean, the Gallatin Valley is dependent upon all agencies.”
Steve Schmid, Customer Service Manager and Flight Paramedic for Life Flight, agrees.