S. ABINGTON TWP – A group of local businessmen, members of organizations and members of the community worked together to show appreciation to Abington area first responders, including police, firefighters and EMTs, by hosting a dinner in their honor at the Ramada Inn.
The committee coordinating the dinner is called Abingtons Support All Protectors or ASAP. The event, held Sept. 9, was known as the Abington Area First Responders Appreciation Night.
Sponsors of the event included Tom Rogari, a salesman from Toyota Scion in Scranton, who attended the event with his wife Rose. They both wanted to give thanks to the local heroes whom they praise for helping people they don’t know out of harm’s way.
“They’re modern-day saints,” said Tom.
The Rogaris offered prayers for first responders in Florida working during Hurricane Irma.
Greeting the first responders at the entrance of the grand ballroom were Cheryl O’Hora and Linda Young, members of the Abington Heights Civic League, which is part of the ASAP committee. Sitting in the same table was Judge Trish Corbett.
“I think it’s spectacular,” Corbett said about the dinner. “I think it’s high time that first responders are thought of first. Their courage and dedication keep our community thriving.”
Before enjoying dinner, first responders were recognized by the event’s master of ceremonies Nancy Antinnes Curra, also a member of the ASAP committee.
“Because of you, we feel protected,” Curra told the responders. “Our streets are safe. Each one of you, whether you’re a chief or a part-time volunteer, you all take risks for all of us. You put us first. You keep everyone in the community protected and, for that, we are genuinely grateful. I know I speak for everyone in this room as well as the Abington community as I say a genuine thank you.”
Congressman Tom Marino, who drove from Harrisburg to attend the event, recounted working with police officers, firefighters, prison guards, and EMTs.
“I grew up in that atmosphere,” he said. “And I’m a better person for it.”
Marino thanked the first responders for all they do.
“I loved being on the streets with the officers, firefighters, and the first responders,” he said. “It was a sense of accomplishment. I heard so much from you, and how much an integral part you are for making this country what it is.”
The first responders were very grateful for the event, and appreciated the hard work the ASAP committee performed to make it a success.
“It’s a nice thank you,” said Mike Owens, Fire EMS of Chinchilla. “It makes us feel appreciated It’s a thankless job, but it’s nice to be appreciated every now and then.”
Chief Robert Gerrity, of South Abington Police, said, “I think it’s a real honor that a group of businessmen and professionals got together to plan and host this event. This is the first time that I heard a community doing something for the first responders which is terrific.”
“It was a really good event,” said Chief Christopher Yarns, of Clarks Summit Police Dept. “It exceeded my expectations. It’s an honor to be honored. The community is really amazing when it comes to supporting our first responders.”
Members of South Abington Police Department visit with Congressman Tom Marino. From left, kneeling, are Officer Darrell Siverstein and Sergeant Tom Ksiazek. Standing, are Officer Leonard Harvey, Officer Scott Siegler, Chief Robert Gerrity, Congressman Tom Marino, Officer Tony Percival and Officer Paul Wolfe.
Members of the Waverly Police Dept. are shown here with Congressman Tom Marino. From left, are Officer Gordon Demming, Congressman Tom Marino, Chief Kenny James, and Officer Angelo Rudolfi.
Local police officers enjoy the dinner together. From left, first row, are Officer Brian Newhart, of Clarks Summit Police Dept.; Officer Eric Williams, of Clarks Summit Police Dept.; Officer Alexis Cerchione, of Clarks Summit Police Dept.; and Officer Eric Hernandez, of The University of Scranton Police Dept. Second row, Chase Yarns with his parents, Chief Christopher Yarns, of Clarks Summit Police Dept., and his wife Amy.
Monsignor Joseph Quinn offers a blessing for the Abington area first responders.
Local police officers enjoy the dinner together. From left, first row, are Officer Brian Newhart, of Clarks Summit Police Dept.; Officer Eric Williams, of Clarks Summit Police Dept.; Officer Alexis Cerchione, of Clarks Summit Police Dept.; and Officer Eric Hernandez, of The University of Scranton Police Dept. Second row, Chase Yarns with his parents, Chief Christopher Yarns, of Clarks Summit Police Dept., and his wife Amy.
Monsignor Joseph Quinn offers a blessing for the Abington area first responders.
