The day calls for residents and businesses to post a downloadable printout in their windows.

Jacksonians have the chance to say “thank you” to first responders with a special day of recognition on Friday, April 10.

Spearheaded by the City of Jackson and Visit Jackson, “First Responder Appreciation Day” recognizes Jackson police officers, firefighters, EMTs and healthcare workers who have been serving on the frontlines during this COVID-19 public health crisis. 

The day calls for residents and businesses to post a downloadable printout in their windows, and, for those on the road running essential errands, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has designated noon for drivers to “honk” their support.

“As the world has been affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been those amongst us who have stepped up in our time of need as the world has been threatened,” said Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. “Those are the individuals who make it a habit to run to danger such as our first responders and our medical professionals who are spending many hours towards the care of individuals who are critically ill. And so, we want to express our appreciation for their work and let them know that their efforts are not unrecognized.”

Visit Jackson is partnering with the city for the event.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to salute the first responders of Jackson and the surrounding communities,” said Rickey Thigpen, President & CEO of Visit Jackson. “The caring and compassionate people of Jackson are the soul of our community. We thank those on the front lines for sharing and exhibiting their soul every day. Together, we are City With Soul STRONG!” 

In addition to keeping our citizens safe, our first responders have served in a number of capacities,” said Candice Cole, Director of Communications for the City of Jackson. “From assisting with delivering food to our seniors (and) helping to man the Cathead hand sanitizer stations, (they are) serving in any capacity where there’s a need.”

Cole added that everyday citizens have a responsibility to protect the protectors.

JPD assists with sanitizer distribution. Image: Imani Khayyam/City of Jackson

“The number one thing that the public can do to ease the strain on our first responders is to stay home and adhere to the Mayor’s executive orders,” she explained. “These measures have been put in place to keep everyone safe and healthy. This is the best way to limit exposure to the coronavirus and to help keep our first responders safe and healthy too.”

Take a picture, and post it to Facebook, tagging @CityofJackson and @VisitJacksonMS with the hashtags #WeHeartJXN1stResponders and #CityWithSoulSTRONG. 

Download a printable coloring sheet here. Send pictures to communications@jacksonms.gov.