First responders in the Detroit metropolitan area are some of the hardest working first responders in the nation. These individuals sacrifice their time and put themselves on the line to make the community a safer place for civilians. The Detroit Lions found a way to thank these hardworking individuals for their service and commitment.
At their practice on Aug. 17, the Detroit Lions hosted about 1,500 first responders. The practice, the team's second away from its home field, was held at Edsel Ford High. The school's stands were full of local firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians. The practice, which is normally closed to the public, serves as the final training camp preparation outside the Allen Park facility.
The Lions management and the players invited the 1,500 first responders from the surrounding area for a private viewing of the practice as a gesture of gratitude.
"To have an opportunity to visit with them, talk with them, share this night with them, is pretty special," Jim Caldwell, the Lions coach, told The Detroit News. "I don't think until there's some sort of a national catastrophe that they actually get their due and respect."