Correction: This article previously stated that the county EMS has a program where paramedics that live in Sussex are given the holiday off and everyone else comes in for them. This is not accurate, as Robbie Murray, Sussex County EMS director says on-duty paramedics who live near their station, can take one of the response vehicles home and remain available for calls while having dinner with their family. Employees who do not live near their station are not able to do that.
SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- Volunteers grabbed a tray and stepped right up to fill the containers with turkey, all the sides, and of course dessert.
Cyndi Susi started Blessings For Badges in 2018 and every year since has been feeding first responders working on Thanksgiving.
Treasurer Joe Baumann says the organization takes donations, such as food from a variety of restaurants and money and assistance with prepping and delivering the meals.
"We're thankful," Baumann said. "Anytime we put out something saying we need something, the restaurants and the community members either give money towards it or give up their time to make mac and cheese plates and turkeys and chickens are provided by Mountaire as well."
Blessings For Badges is ensuring every first responder in Sussex and Kent County who wants one gets a meal. Retired police officer Barry Wheatley says it is very much appreciated.
"I've had my share of Thanksgivings having to work as well as many of my friends and colleagues throughout the first responder industry," Wheatley said. "So, there's a multitude of careers that work 24/7. We're thankful enough that we can help support some of those here in Sussex and Kent County on Thanksgiving Day."
Among the volunteers, drivers delivered meals around both counties. 400 meals were prepared and over fifty departments are getting visits from Blessings For Badges with all of the hot food.
Jason Hansen and two others at Sussex County EMS Medic 106 were grateful for their delivery. According to the Sussex County EMS Director, on-duty paramedics who live near their station are able to take a response vehicle home and remain available for calls while having dinner with their family.Â
"Those of us that don't live in the county like me I live up in Dover," Hansen said. "I am unable to go to a family dinner like this. So having a meal here is awesome because you know it was going to be you know take-out."
It's year four and counting for Blessings For Badges and the organization plans to continue to be thankful for all that first responders do, especially serving on this holiday.
