TITLE
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OCTOBER 28, 2022, AS “HONORING FIRST RESPONDERS DAY” IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
BODY
WHEREAS, the first responder community includes millions of career and volunteer professionals in the United States within five primary disciplines: Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue Services, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, and Public Works; and
WHEREAS, first responders who live and work in Gahanna stand ready to protect, defend and provide life-saving services to those in crisis, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; and
WHEREAS, the State of Ohio Department of Public Safety established the Office of First Responder Wellness due to the often-dangerous nature of first responder work, and how it routinely places first responders at risk physically, mentally, and emotionally; and
WHEREAS, first responders and their families are asked to, and willingly, make sacrifices and put service over self when every day is different than the last; and
WHEREAS, funding and resources are necessary for priorities such as wellness programs addressing mental, physical, and emotional health issues unique to first responders; recruitment and retention efforts to restore workforce levels; and onboarding and training costs; and
WHEREAS, first responders deserve to be recognized and supported for their commitment to safety, emergency and field medical treatment delivery, defense, and integrity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO, THAT THIS BODY DOES HEREBY:
Section 1. Designate October 28, 2022, as “Honoring First Responders Day” to honor and recognize the contributions of first responders;
Section 2. Encourage the continued funding by the State of Ohio to support wellness programs unique to first responders, recruitment and retention efforts for emergency medical service, fire, police, and public safety workers;
Section 3. Commit to support first responders who live or work in the City of Gahanna; and
Section 4. Encourage the people of the City of Gahanna to observe “Honoring First Responders Day” by thanking a first responder, learning about the contributions of first responders, and supporting the needs of emergency medical service, fire, police, and public safety workers.