Acmetonia Elementary shows its appreciation to first responders on eve of 9/11

Allegheny Valley School District commemorated Saturday’s 20th anniversary of 9/11 a day early Friday by showing its appreciation to local first responders.

A table set up under a tent at Acmetonia Elementary in the morning featured donuts, coffee and bagels — all free to first responders who stopped by. Students from the elementary school helped serve the breakfast and, in some cases, delivered it to first responders’ cars if needed.

“We wanted to make it easy for them while they were on duty to be able to drive up and get something,” said district spokesperson Jan Zastawniak.

In past years, Zastawniak said the school has shown its appreciation to first responders around 9/11 by giving cards and other gifts. Breakfast was new this year.

District students were again encouraged this year to write cards with messages of appreciation for first responders. Some had general messages of appreciation, while others thanked specific departments.

Springdale fire Capt. Dan Copeland, whose department arrived first for the event, said it’s always nice to feel appreciated.

“It’s a nice gesture from the district to give recognition to first responders,” he said.

Kevin Gourley, one of the district’s police officers, said the timing was nice considering today’s climate.

“Lots of times police and any first responders are not appreciated … so this is nice to have,” he said.

Springdale police Capt. Derek Wayoub added: “It’s great to see them (students) and the school try to do something nice for us, and we appreciate it.”