When first responders arrive on scene, they are typically met with terrible circumstances. When they arrived at the Allied Health building at Lamar State College Port Arthur, they were welcomed with applause.

Dozens of students from the LSCPA Nursing, Surgical Technology and Substance Abuse Counseling programs lined the main hallway in the Allied Health building, cheering, slapping high-fives and hugging first responders who were attending the second annual First Responders Breakfast at LSCPA.

Representatives from law enforcement, fire rescue and emergency medical services were in attendance. They enjoyed the appreciation of nearly 100 students, faculty and administration from LSCPA, as well as a vast breakfast buffet offered in their honor.

“When these people arrive at a call, they are there for what is, for most of us, the worst time of our life,” Surgical Technology Director Brandon Buckner said. “We wanted them to come here today and know just how valuable their service is to the community, to each of us, and we wanted to tell them ‘thank you’ for the sacrifices they make in their own lives to help make our lives better.”

The event is scheduled Sept. 11 in tribute to all those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

“Our first responders leave their families every day to go to work, never really knowing if they’re coming home again,” Buckner said. “They put their lives on the line. We honored them today with a special event but we should be remembering every day for all they do.”

— Submitted by Gerry Dickert, public information coordinator for Lamar State College Port Arthur