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Thank You! Mayor Kenney Shows Appreciation For First Responders

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A few free laps around the ice rink and some live music may not sound like much, but sometimes little things mean a lot to those who don't hear "thank you" as often as they probably should.

Some first responders brought their families to Dilworth Park Sunday for free ice skating.  It's a small token of appreciation for the brave men and women who are there when Philadelphians need them most.

"As we are running away from something, they are running towards it," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "It takes a lot of courage to do that, a lot of sacrifice. As you've seen over the years, we've lost people's lives as a result of that sacrifice, so we just want to say thank you."

 

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Families of Philadelphia first responders enjoying free ice skating at Dilworth Park. (Credit: Mike Dougherty)

 

Mayor Kenney, the son of a firefighter, knows first hand what these families feel when mom or dad leaves for their shift.

"It's more important for their families and kids to enjoy it and recognize, as I did growing up, that I'm very proud of what my father did and very proud of the uniform," he said. "These kids will have the same feeling about their moms and dads."

Police commissioner Richard Ross says this little act of kindness is much appreciated:

"It doesn't have to be a big gesture, just a little thank you sometimes, and acknowledgement goes a long way."

A fire truck was on display, and kids had the chance to climb into the saddle of police motorcycles to have pictures taken.

 

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(Credit: Mike Dougherty)
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