Bridge to the Badge gifts hundreds of goodies to Wichita Falls first responders

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — In honor of National First Responders Day, volunteers with Bridge to the Badge delivered hundreds of gift bags to the men and women serving our community.

The volunteers packed 536 bags and spent the day traveling from department to department.

Bridge to the Badge volunteers loaded up cars early on Tuesday, October 28, and stopped at 15 locations, including the Wichita Falls Police Department, fire stations, DPS, and AMR.

The bags were filled with snacks, drinks and other goodies donated by Bridge to The Badge and First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls.

At the multiple drop-offs I trailed, workers said the recognition comes during an especially busy season for first responders. At the WFPD, officers took moments between calls to grab a bag. Many said the show of support means more than people realize.

“No matter how small, whether it be just a simple handshake or a thank you or an actual gift, makes us feel very special because, again, we do a very high priority job. We’re going to help people in times of need, and sometimes as officers, we’re human too, so we like to be felt like we’re wanted in some form or fashion as well,” Officer Brian Arias with WFPD said.

Deliveries wrapped up this afternoon, but organizers say support doesn’t stop there. If you’d like to donate or find out more about Bridge to the Badge: Bridge to the Badge