Local Community Hosts First Responders Breakfast to Foster Connection and Understanding

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — This morning, Lord’s Legacy hosted its 2nd annual First Responders Breakfast, bringing together local police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and support members from the community. The event took place from 8:30 to 10:00 AM and provided a valuable opportunity for first responders to interact with members of the organization.

Lord’s Legacy is dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The initiative for the breakfast stemmed from concerns about the apprehension some members felt towards individuals in uniform. According to CEO Heather Goodwill, the breakfast aimed to create a “bridge” between first responders and those with disabilities, promoting a safe space for interaction. Goodwill expressed: “We wanted to be a bridge to help them to see that it’s a safe space to be.”

The breakfast not only benefited the members of Lord’s Legacy but also provided an opportunity for first responders to gain insight into how best to communicate with individuals who might require assistance. Goodwill emphasized the importance of enhancing understanding, stating, “We have participants with conditions that generally will make it pretty common throughout the year to interact with 911 dispatchers and the paramedics.”

Furthermore, Goodwill highlighted the positive relationships formed between the organization and local emergency services. She noted that responders are often familiar with Lord’s Legacy and thus treat participants with “the most compassion and dignity as possible.”

The breakfast event aimed not only to foster connections but also to ensure that those who may require emergency assistance receive proper care when needed. As the community continues to build strong relationships, events such as these are crucial for developing mutual understanding and support between first responders and those they serve.

The gathering was a clear step towards creating a more inclusive environment, encouraging continued openness and interaction among the local community.