Community honors Rapides firefighters at 'Appreciation Day' event

Firefighters from all over the parish gathered in Alexandria on Saturday morning for Firefighter Appreciation Day.

Families, friends, and just folks around the community showed up at the mega-shelter next to LSUA to support those who face the fire every day, and to remember those who died in action. Coordinators also honored families of fallen firefighters, and handed out 'Firefighters of the Year' awards. Among those attending were some elected officials, there to leave a message of gratitude to these firefighters.

"They run into the fire, they run toward the fire, when the rest of us would run the other way,” said Rep. Ralph Abraham. “So what makes that particular person do that? Well they just believe in a purpose. So it's a hard felt profession and a passion."