NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – During National Police Week, Scheels in Appleton is reminding all emergency personnel that their work doesn’t go unnoticed.
“We just really appreciate everything our local first responders and military members do for our community,” Community Outreach Lead Kayla Fischer said. “It’s a fantastic place to live and they keep it that way.”
For the second year in a row, the sporting goods store hosted the St. Mary Catholic High School First Responder and Military softball game.
Fischer helped with the event. That included handing out t-shirts, creating special jerseys for the players and giving a pre-game speech, as a way to say ‘thanks.’
“It’s not just one group that makes it this great place. We’ve got a few different police departments, a few different fire departments, ThedaStar here, the marines.”
Among those recognized were Fox Crossing Police Community Liaison Officer Dan Weichman and Marine Core Staff Sergeant Michael Donahoe. Both say it was a honor to be there.
“The fact they’re taking time and effort and personnel just to come out here and do all of these things just to show their appreciation for what we do in our line of work- it’s a real honor,” Weichman said.
“Honestly I love it,” Donahoe said. “Love to see that the community shows us support for the first responders. It’s something that I think should be out there for the community.”
Prior to the start of the game, each first responder was invited onto the field, where they were singled out. Weichman says part of what makes it so special are the bonds shared by everyone in the line of duty.
“We’re all here to help our community in any way, shape or form that we can. All those branches of the military and all these public service representatives do just that. And we’re just thrilled to all come together and receive this big thanks that they’re giving us.”
It’s an event that Scheels hopes to turn into a yearly tradition.
“They just don’t get enough honor,” Fischer said.
Scheels also provided a donation to each organization that was recognized.
