It was a spirited First Responders’ Day Saturday in Ripon with a crowd of some 300 community members gathering at the Ripon Consolidated Fire Station on Stockton Avenue at 8 a.m. for a mile-long walk to the Ripon Police Department.

A drone flew over the slow-moving parade of supporters recording the walkers down the middle of Main Street where American Flags had been placed on poles on both sides of the street.  Riponites young and old had been given T-shirts to mark the event with two motorcycle officers closing off the cross streets to keep the walkers safe on their trek.

When the walkers reached the police department they were met with a 100-foot ladder fire truck that had a large American Flag hanging from the end of its ladder extension.  Below was a podium with a microphone for a few words from both Ripon Police Chief Ed Ormonde and Fire Chief Dennis Bitters.  San Joaquin County Supervisor Chuck Winn, Congressman Jeff Denham, and California State Assemblyman Heath Flora were also on hand crediting Ripon as a community and its first responders as being special in their own right.

Police and fire vehicles were on dsiplay along with a SWAT truck that kids quickly climbed aboard. 

Sharon Kredit, who lives at Bethany Home, was given a safety vest by Officer Mario Ysit after recovering from being hit in a crosswalk many weeks ago. The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a solo performance of the National Anthem. 

Ormonde said he was humbled by the numbers who turned out on the street for First Responders Day, saying it was hard for him not to show his emotions.   The chief said his men and women in the department would continue to keep Ripon’s citizens as their top priority every day – concerned about their welfare before and after work.  The officers are each assigned a police car and take it home with them when they are off shift, parking it in front of their homes to establish a safety priority against criminals coming into the neighborhoods.

Bitters said his department will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021, which will herald another big celebration.  The fire department covers a much larger area outside the city limits and well into the countryside. 

“It’s hard not to be emotional about this community where police and fire have a great relationship,” he said.  “In tough times we have both been able to continue our services.” 

He told the crowd they are always welcome to walk into the Ripon stations at any time and take a tour of the facilities.  He offered stickers of the American Flag for placement on car windows that they were giving away with a thin blue line and a thin red line for both police and fire recognition.  

Winn told of his 12 years of service on the Ripon City Council before being elected to the county office.

“Ripon is a model across the country for others to follow,” he said.  “It is the most technically advanced in the U.S. – benefiting its men and women in officer safety.” 

Winn, a retired CHP commander,  added, “Having worked side-by-side with them, I have to say they are the most dedicated.”

Flora offered, “It’s truly remarkable to live in a community like this that is truly committed.” He asked for applause from the crowd for the wives of the police and firefighters who allow them to do their jobs and do them well. 

Denham said what is seen in first responders is the “First duty of government” to keep the citizens safe day in and day out.  

Denham presented a resolution that he had read into the Congressional Record in Washington, D.C., “honoring all first responders past and present who have vowed to serve and protect” including police officers, fire fighters and emergency medical personnel.”

Ripon Councilman Mike Restuccia, who headed up the committee that organized the First Responders event,  said it will continue to be held on the first Saturday of April in years to come.  It has already been placed on the city’s calendar, he said. 

Also a committee member, Carol Bouman, sold challenge coins commemorating the event for a $10 donation and was stationed near the front door of city hall.  There are coins still available by contacting Fire Chief Dennis Bitters.

Challenge coins are traditionally used at restaurants to challenge another firefighter or police officer to buy a drink or sometimes even dinner if they aren’t carrying their own challenge coin.  A Ripon Christian fourth grade student happened to be with his parents having dinner – with a First Responder coin in his pocket – when he recognized a firefighter sitting down near him.  The boy actually challenged the firefighter, who just by luck had several coins in his pocket from other fire and police agencies.  It ended up as a chuckling draw for both of them. 

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecbulletin.com.