Arlington Heights seniors honor local first responders
The Moorings of Arlington Heights, a senior living community, showed its appreciation to emergency responders from Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect by serving up an end-of-summer barbecue lunch.
"Often, the residents in our community are not at their best when they are in need of emergency care and don't have the opportunity to thank the men and women who provide these important services. Our residents want the opportunity to say 'thank you' in person and recognize the professionalism and compassion these public servants provide," said Lisa Vandermark, executive director of The Moorings.
The event provided a relaxed atmosphere for residents to visit with local public servants. Among the attendees were World War II Purple Heart recipient Ed Pietrucha, who shared his personal stories of military service with members of the Arlington Heights Fire Department, and Moorings resident Joyce Yrjanson.
Yrjanson shared more than just lunch with Arlington Heights Police Sgt. Stephanie Mack. She also took the opportunity to try on some police gear, including the sergeant's Kevlar bulletproof vest.
The barbecue lunch was held over three days: Monday, Aug. 27, through Wednesday, Aug. 29, to accommodate the split schedules that firemen, policemen and paramedics maintain.
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