Thursday marks Omaha's first Firefighter & Police Appreciation Day.
The event has been nearly two years in the making, initiated by lifetime buddies Jerry Hoberman and Ray Somberg.
Neither has any personal connection with the police or fire department, unless you count Hoberman's casual acquaintance with his firefighter neighbor, John Stolinski.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, the two have talked, on occasion, about Stolinski's profession.
Why, Hoberman wondered, isn't there a national day of recognition for first responders? He asked Somberg what he thought of a grassroots campaign. “Great idea,” Somberg said. “And yes, I'll partner with you.”
Their timeline: Citywide this year; statewide next year; nationwide within five years. (Gov. Dave Heineman on Thursday will issue a proclamation declaring June 10, 2011, as Firefighter and Police Appreciation Day in Nebraska.)
Stolinski put Hoberman and Somberg in touch with the Omaha Fire Department through his brother, Assistant Chief Dan Stolinski. Police Lt. Darci Tierney became their liaison with the Omaha Police Department.
Hoberman and Somberg had the departments prioritize wish lists for equipment and training needs outside the city budget.
The determined duo then began knocking on doors and giving speeches to drum up community support for a day of appreciation for Omaha's first responders.
Individuals, businesses and civic organizations responded with cash and pledges.
Before long, Hoberman and Somberg had a working board of directors and 10 honorary co-chairs willing to donate $25,000 each toward the observance. Another 200 volunteers stepped forward to help plan and carry out day-of-event activities.
At the end of the day, the organizers will have raised more than $600,000 for equipment and training to be paid for with grants issued by the new nonprofit Firefighter and Police Appreciation Foundation, a by-product of Appreciation Day.
The foundation already has awarded two grants — for a police training Skid Car and 250 personal emergency location devices for the fire department.
At Qwest Center Omaha, 1,600 are expected for a luncheon that promises to be an emotional tribute to the city's first responders and the 24 police officers and 55 firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the founding of the departments.
After the luncheon, first responders will demonstrate skills and equipment outside the convention center and arena.
“Our passion is to make sure that, at the close of the day, every firefighter and police officer and their families understand that the public appreciates what they do. It's a community ‘thank- you,' ” Hoberman says.
“The police and fire departments never close for business,” Somberg observes. “Every day they go to work and face potential danger . . . They prove to us over and over that what they do saves lives.”
The men stress this isn't a political event. “When you call 9-1-1,” Hoberman says, “you aren't thinking about union contracts and pensions. None of that matters when you just need help.”
SHOW YOUR
appreciation
— Honk and turn on vehicle lights at intersections where Appreciation Day volunteers are stationed with signs.
— Put a special message on a business marquee or sign.
— Make a donation, which is tax-deductible, to the Firefighter and Police Appreciation Foundation. www.fireandpoliceappreciation.com
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