A special cookout was held for local first responders on Saturday.

The emergency disaster services of the Salvation Army held its annual appreciation luncheon for local fire, police and emergency personnel. We’re told this is their way of saying thank you.

“It’s so important to give back to the community because the community is always giving back to the Salvation Army,” Larry Fulmer said. “Just doing something as simple as this is just our way of saying thank you to our community.”

This is the 13th year the event has taken place.