MOOSIC, Pa. — A minor league team in Lackawanna County is supporting first responders by offering free home games on Fridays.
"Been to a couple Yankees games this year and a couple of these so far," said Brad Blass, a firefighter in Bloomsburg.
He is one of many first responders who crowded into PNC Field in Moosic Friday night for a relaxing night of RailRiders baseball.
"To bring my family out to something like this and to get some thanks is always appreciated, but can't be happier," said Pocono Township Police Officer Joesph Bianchi. He threw out the first pitch to kick off First Responders Friday at the ballpark.
The event sees 100 tickets go to all first responders, from nurses to doctors, firefighters, and police.
All who work keep their communities safe.
"I've always wanted to do it my whole life," said Bianchi. "And I'm happy to do the big things, and I'm happy to do the little things. It's great."
"These men and women go out at all hours, in all kinds of weather, with no pay, and it's nice to be recognized once in a while," said Robert Stackhouse.
Watching from right field, Stackhouse, a volunteer firefighter for more than five decades in Bloomsburg, said these kinds of events offer a much-needed break for the men and women who give so much.
"Nice place to come, to relax and to forget all the bad things in life and enjoy the good things," added Stackhouse.
First Responder Fridays at PNC Field will continue to see tickets given away to our first responders for each Friday home game during the 2024 season.