South Bend's first responders get free meals on appreciation day

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-The 19th annual South Bend Police and Fire Appreciation Day got underway Friday morning. The Community Oriented Policing Leadership Council will be serving free breakfast, lunch and dinner for all South Bend and Saint Joseph County personnel at the Central Fire Station on the 2nd floor located at 1222 South Michigan Street. 

Phyllis Fields from the COP Council has been organizing, preparing and thanking public safety officers for the last 19 years with this event.

The fire department says due to staffing and declining volunteers, this may be the last year Phyllis and her volunteers will be able to do the appreciation day. If you'd like to help, you can contact Phyllis at 574-287-0063 or Michael Shlakman at 574-245-6684.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Fire Chief Steve Cox, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski and Sheriff Michael Grzegorek will serve lunch at 11 A.M. 

Lunch will be served from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. Dinner will be served from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. Carry out is also available.

ABC 57's Julia Palazzo spoke with first responders and even former South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke at breakfast Friday morning.

Interview with firefighters:

Interview with former South Bend Mayor, Steve Luecke:

Interview with Phyllis Fields: