Dallas Cowboys Host First Responders Appreciation Day
By Office of Communication
Posted on November 28, 2012, November 28, 2012

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for more than a football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. From a pre-game ceremony to honor fallen officers to a half-time show with hundreds of law enforcement and first responders from around the state, Sunday December 2 is officially First Responders Appreciation Day at Cowboy Stadium.

The Arlington Police and Fire Departments are among those participating in the event. Officer Zhivonni McDonnell is one of the principal planners. "It is an absolute honor to have the Cowboys organization reach out and pay tribute to the great work done by our first responders.' said McDonnell. "To our knowledge, this is a very unique NFL event.'

There will be about 600 First Responders taking part in the event consisting of police officers and firefighters from as far away as Corpus Christi.

Several state of the art static equipment displays ranging from law enforcement vehicles to fire apparatus will also be on public view at Cowboys Stadium during the event. New Braunfels Police Department is bringing a video trailer that exposes adults and teens to the dangers of driving intoxicated by placing them in a simulator. The equipment displays will be available in both plazas before and during the game.

At the beginning of the game, a Texas Highway Patrol helicopter will conduct a flyover honoring the sacrifices that our fellow men and women in law enforcement and the fire protection service have made. There will also be a pre-game ceremony honoring fallen First Responders from across the region which consists of a slide show on the big screen and a moment of silence. As part of the commemorative ceremony, fallen Arlington Police Officer Jillian Smith and Craig Story will be honored on the field along with fallen Arlington Firefighter Don Hogg.

An exciting half-time show is also planned, consisting of multiple Honor Guards with hundreds of police officers and firefighters taking the field. "I know a lot of officers and firefighters are truly honored and excited about this opportunity to take part in this special day,' said McDonnell.

The kickoff for the big game starts at 7:30 p.m. however the festivities start well before game time. You can keep up with all of the events throughout the big game by following Arlington Police Department on Twitter@ArlingtonPD # Heroes.

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