First responders were treated to a day of family fun before the football match against McNeese. 
Amber Grace Garrard

The university co-hosted a tailgating event with Aramark food services and the Tangipahoa Parish Government to honor all the first responders who helped during the flood.

The event was complete with door prizes from local businesses and the University Bookstore, live music, a game area and a spread of food donated by Aramark.

“It’s basically free lunch for first responders in the area,” said Stephen Cassingham, a senior mathematics major. “They can bring their families out and play some games and if they’re one of the first 100 here, they get free tickets to go to the game and be a part of the action.”

Cassingham is also a part of the cross-country team who was asked to help serve at the games station.

Among the other students helping to run the event was Allie Ridgell, a student worker and freshman nursing major. She clarified that events like this one are important for the community.

“They do so much for us and they deserve our respect,” said Ridgell. “Not just when things happen, but everyday. It’s a good reminder to thank them.”

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller addressed the same idea that the everyday service of our first responders matters in his speech.

“We recognize as a parish government that you step out everyday,” said Miller. “No matter when that bell goes off, you’re there when we need your help.”

Miller went on to thank them for their sacrifice pertaining to their service during flooding.

“It was especially in March and in August that we realized we were in dire need,” said Miller. “You were running to help people, even at the peril of your own families, your own homes, you would come help everyone else.”

Miller was honored when they asked him to play a part in the event.

The university’s President John L. Crain played a role in the process of making the event happen. He believes loss of life has been the biggest concern over the course of the flood.

“If it were not for the extreme efforts of our first responders, there’s no doubt there would have been a greater loss of life in the natural disasters,” said Crain.

The parish president ended the speeches that took place by reiterating that it is a privilege to serve those who served the parish.

“We are so honored that we could be a small part and offer this to you,” said Miller. “There is no doubt in my mind that when you take a look at the assets in Tangipahoa Parish, our first responders, the individuals who went out and helped, Southeastern, Aramark and just how great our environment is, we are absolutely the best parish in the state.”

The rest of the time, the band “Impaired Faculties,” which is compiled of five university faculty members, communication professor Joe Burns, professor of management Randy Settoon, history and political science Department Head William Robison, Assistant Dean of the college of nursing and health science Ralph Wood, and Dean of the college of science and technology Dan McCarthy played until the event was over around 3 p.m.

Impaired faculties played music in honor of first responders at the football game against McNeese. 
Amber Grace Garrard

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller recognized the first responders for their service. 
Amber Grace Garrard/The Lion's Roar

University president John L. Crain recognized the first responders for their service. 
Amber Grace Garrard/The Lion's Roar