Merit Health and the City of Biloxi are hosting a First Responder Appreciation Event, actually a picnic in a downtown city park, to honor the public safety personnel and emergency workers who assisted in the aftermath of the tragic train-bus collision last week.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages and desserts will be provided to first responders, volunteers, clergy and others who participated in the treatment and recovery of victims. The Biloxi and Biloxi Bay chambers of commerce also are helping sponsor the affair.
The event, which is not open to the public, will take place Tuesday at Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park in downtown Biloxi, immediately south of Merit Health. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to allow first responders to come and go as schedules permit.
“Merit Health feels like this event is a great opportunity to partner with the City of Biloxi to thank all involved,” said Rob Calhoun, Merit’s chief executive officer. “The outpouring of support from the medical staff, employees and all first responders was certainly a testament to the dedication and commitment to this hospital and our community. “
Those invited include Biloxi police and fire personnel who were involved in the response, along with D’Iberville fire and police personnel who assisted; Harrison County Sheriff, deputies, coroner and fire personnel who assisted; Keesler AFB medical and other uniformed Keesler personnel; AMR and other emergency responders; and Gulfport fire personnel who manned two west Biloxi stations so that all city fire personnel could assist at the scene; Bradford-O’Keefe; citizens who voluntarily assisted; local clergy; and others.
Parking: Areas of parking in downtown Biloxi, especially the public lot at Jackson and Ohr streets, will be cordoned off to allow public safety personnel to park while attending the picnic.
See the flyer
City seeking nominees for Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame
The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for the 2017 class of the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame.
Nominees must meet a criteria and are selected on athletic achievements, advancement in sports and community service. Applications may be acquired weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation office located 377 Hiller Drive, or by visiting the city’s website. Application deadline is June 30, 2017.
The Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame was created to identify and honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the betterment of athletics in the City of Biloxi, either through exemplary performance as a player or coach, or in any supporting role of superior accomplishment. Inductees are chosen each year and are honored during an annual banquet.
For more information, call the Parks and Recreation office at 228-388-7170 or mail sports@biloxi.ms.us.
View the nomination form
See the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame page
Visit the Parks & Recreation page
