SCRANTON, Pa. — From preparing and cooking to serving culinary arts, students at the Career Technology Center in Scranton pulled out all the stops for their annual First Responder Recognition Luncheon.
"It's kind of touching to see the impact it has on the people, like I said, especially first responders because they help us all the time, so to give back and help them, it's just a good thing we're doing," said Jason Rodney, CTC student.
This is Jason Rodney's second year preparing meals for the area's first responders.
The luncheon falls close to the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and Rodney says he uses the day to reflect and learn, "Just to have other people taste your food and say good things about it, it just means a lot to someone."
It's also an emotional day for the men and women who put their lives on the line.
"I was saying earlier that this is one of those meals I look forward to for the food end of it. I don't necessarily look forward to it just because it's a somber reminder of why we are gathering here today," said Deputy Chief Dan Hallowich, Scranton Fire Department.
Members of the Scranton Fire Department, Scranton Police, and Pennsylvania Ambulance were treated to chicken marsala, risotto, roasted brussel sprouts, and blueberry cobbler.
A small thank you for their service, and a reminder to never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"I think this is a wonderful opportunity to connect those individuals who weren't around when those horrible events of 9/11 took place," said Hallowich.
"It lets us know that the community cares and knows the work that we put in to keep everyone safe is appreciated by the community. It gives us a bit of an uplift, you know," said Bruce Beauvais, Pennsylvania Ambulance.