The annual Ripon First Responders Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 6, promises to be a special event.

Ripon City Council member and event founder Michael Restuccia provided this reminder at Tuesday’s monthly session.

Honored will be Chief Dennis Bitters of the Ripon Consolidated Fire District. He’s retiring after 42 years of dedicated service.

“This celebration is set to shine as a tribute to his legacy,” said the local fire district on social media.

Bitters and others will be among those recognized as the hometown heroes on this day.

The Ripon Frist Responder Appreciation Day will kick off at 8:30 a.m. in the front of the Ripon Police Department, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

From there, community members and others in attendance – the first 200 participants will receive free t-shirts – will take a walk along downtown Main Street to the Ripon Fire Station 1 at 142 S. Stockton Ave.

Once at the fire department, there will be a short presentation along with refreshments and snacks.