Rock Island Chief of Police Timothy McCloud talks with Friendship Manor resident Mary Wells at the retirement community’s recent emergency-responders appreciation luncheon
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (September 9, 2024) — Without the dedicated help of local emergency response teams, retirement communities would be overwhelmed. Rock Island’s Friendship Manor held an emergency-responders appreciation luncheon last week to honor the first-responders who rush to help at moments’ notice.
“It is my honor to welcome our local EMTs, firefighters, and police officers to Friendship Manor today to thank them for their tireless service,” Friendship Manor CEO Ted Pappas said. “Without you, our jobs would be much more difficult.”
Friendship Manor holds this appreciation luncheon annually. This year, more than twenty local emergency responders attended, including Rock Island Fire Chief Robert Graff and Fire Marshal Greg Marty, as well as Rock Island Chief of Police Timothy McCloud and Deputy Chief of Police James Morris.
Rock Island Fire Marshal Greg Marty and Bob VanDeVoorde share stories at Friendship Manor’s emergency responders appreciation luncheon
Friendship Manor Resident Association President Bud Phillis delivered heartfelt words of appreciation on behalf of Friendship Manor’s residents before lunch was served.
“I know how important first-responders are. I was in practice as a doctor before they were around,” Phillis said, addressing the emergency responders. “A lot of people would have survived things they are able to now with this modern technology. You directly impact the health and wellness of people.”
After lunch, a drawing was held for fun first responder-themed gifts of appreciation.
"Ted Pappas and all the staff and residents at Friendship Manor have once again gone above and beyond by treating our city's first responders with such an amazing lunch,” Chief McCloud said of the luncheon. “Being able to not only share a meal, but fellowship with such wonderful people and hear about their lives is always very special. All of us at the police department send our thanks for the great food and rich conversation."
