HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Sentara RMH Medical Center honored local first responders Friday during a remembrance event for September 11th that recognized both the men and women who responded on that historic day and those who continue serving the community today.

According to Sentara officials, the event was held at the Sentara RMH ambulance entrance, where EMS personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers gathered throughout the afternoon. As a gesture of appreciation, the hospital provided complimentary boxed lunches of fried chicken to first responders from across the region.

A 20-foot by 30-foot American flag was displayed outside the hospital as part of the observance.

Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001, attacks, the event reportedly provided a chance to reflect, remember, and express gratitude for those who respond to crises and those who continue to serve their communities daily.

“This is our way of recognizing those that answered the call that day, but also just thanking the ones that continue to serve our community,” said Jamin Engel, vice president of operations at Sentara RMH Medical Center. “This is just a small token appreciation from all of our team members that are out here serving food, giving a little box lunch, just saying thank you because we have a lot of amazing first responders in our community that continue to answer the call every single day.”

The gathering highlighted the strong connection between healthcare providers and public safety agencies, whose work often intersects during emergencies and community crises.

“We can’t do it without them,” Engel added. “They serve our hospital every single day by bringing patients here for acute care. They help us from the police force and our emergency department.”