This Week and First Responders Day

First responders are there when we get hurt, sick or need some protection from fires or crime.

Most of us are thankful for all they do, but a cheer gym in Jefferson City is showing thanks for all first responders by giving them a free lunch and car wash.

I start the conversation on “This Week” with Ron Swanson by asking him why he and his young athletes are doing the first ever First Responders Day.

This is a transcript of our conversation:

Joey Parker: Ron, it’s the first ever First Responders’ Day, why?

Ron Swanson: Well, I think it’s important as a gym that teaches kids that we teach them that it’s just as important to give as it is to receive. And we wanted to give back to the people that give so much to us and I thought it would be a good idea to offer something in appreciation to our first responders.

Joey: And so what you’re doing you’re inviting all first responders to come by for a complimentary car wash and a lunch, right?

Ron: Correct! Yeah we are going to have hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, water available for them while we get out there and wash their car.

Joey: And just for Jefferson City or for any first responder in Mid-Missouri?

Ron: I’ll be honest we’ll do it for anybody in the area. Absolutely.

Joey: Alright and do they have to be in uniform or how do they prove it?

Ron: I’ll take their word on it.

Joey: Alright, first responders in their personal vehicles. Now you had some of your student athletes do some baking and cooking.

Ron: Oh yeah. A week ago, last Monday- This last Monday we went and made up a bunch of cookies and such and put them in individual baskets and went out and delivered them to all the first responders’ locations, like the police station and all that.

Joey: In your information you sent out a thing about Alyssa, the thirteen year old. Am I saying her name right? Alyssa who says that she hopes she “never has to call for fire, police, EMT,” but she wants to say thank you in advance.

Ron: Right. Making sure that our athletes are comfortable around first responders. You know sometimes when you engage with a first responder, your first reaction is nervousness. We don’t want that. We want our kids to feel comfortable being around them, and amenities.

Joey: Your students are what type of athletes?

Ron: We actually have a little bit of everything. From gymnastics, to cheerleading, to dance; we’re starting a training program for America ninja warrior type things.

Joey: What age groups?

Ron: Anywhere from three to eighteen and then some college ages as well.

Joey: Alright, so you’re trying to get their bodies ready for competition, and life, but also their minds and hearts with this event, huh?

Ron: Right, I feel it’s just as important whenever they’re done with athletics, that they have the character they got from being in a team environment, or persevering through the tough times you go through in athletics.

Joey: Okay. The location again?

Ron:1911 Forge St. In Jefferson City, Missouri.

Joey: Which is near?

Ron: It’s right behind Sonic, off of Ellis Blvd. You will see a Sonic, and a bank, and a gas station. It’s right there.

Joey: It’s tomorrow – Saturday.

Ron: It’s from 10:00 to 2:00.

Joey: 10 to 2.

Ron: We will have the girl’s fired up, and ready to go.

Joey: Ron Swanson, thank you very much for joining us, and good luck.

Ron: Thank you for having me, thank you.