Free lunch for First Responders Appreciation Day

So there is such a thing as a free lunch, at least when it's First Responders Appreciation Day.

"It's just our way of showing appreciation for what police and fire do for us every day,” said Jim Hanson.

Hanson with the First Responders Foundation says that's what Thursday is all was about. Thursday was the eighth annual First Responders Appreciation Day in Omaha. Volunteers delivered 900 lunches to area Omaha police precincts as well as Omaha fire stations.

"When people go out of their way to show police and fire that they are appreciated, it kind of makes the day go by a little easier,” Hanson told 6 News.

Those lunches came with a special touch from area students. More than 650 bagged lunches were delivered by volunteers to Omaha Police, each bag given a special touch from area grade school students.

"A sandwich, cookie and chips doesn't mean much, but when you see the bags are decorated by elementary school kids, they're also reaching out at supporting them, everyone really appreciates that,” he said.

Hanson says the hope is that this annual event will continue to grow, making sure all first responders know they're appreciated.

"All shifts, that's one of the next phases that we might do, the lunches delivered today probably only handle two of the shifts,” said Hansen. "Were contemplating doing other communities around Omaha, were trying to get everybody.”

Most of the lunches delivered Thursday were sack lunches. As for firefighters, they were given frozen steaks for later. So they can grill 'em up when they can.