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July 24, 2024NYRA to Honor First Responders at Saratoga Race Course
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will continue its tradition of honoring police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for their dedication and service to the community on First Responders Day, Thursday, July 25, at Saratoga Race Course. First Responders Day is presented this year for the first time by Albany Med Health System.
The day will feature free admission for all first responders, in addition to a named race in their honor. The running of the Grade 3, $200,000 Caress will be presented by the Albany Med Health System.
“These brave first responders answer the call of duty by protecting communities throughout New York State,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “NYRA is honored to pay tribute to their dedicated service by hosting a day in their honor, and we thank Albany Med Health System for its support.”
The Albany Med Health System includes Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses. Saratoga Hospital operates the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic in partnership with the Backstretch Employee Service Team. The Clinic provides healthcare services to members of NYRA’s backstretch community from May through October.
“The Albany Med Health System is proud to sponsor First Responders Day and continue the partnership Saratoga Hospital has with NYRA and BEST through the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic,” said Dennis McKenna, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Albany Med Health System. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor the dedication and bravery of the men and women who serve the Capital Region every day – which includes the 16,000 health care workers who are part of the Albany Med Health System. We are grateful for their commitment and thrilled to celebrate their contributions alongside NYRA and our community.”
The entertainment on First Responders Day will begin with a live performance of the National Anthem by William Simkins, a registered nurse at Saratoga Hospital.
In what has fast become tradition on First Responders Day, the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums band – the first police pipe band to organize in the U.S. – will perform trackside following the third and fifth races. The New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums will be supplemented by an appearance from the New York Police Department (NYPD) Ceremonial Unit which conducts hundreds of ceremonies each year in honor of police officers in New York and across the U.S.
Local first responders recognized at the track will include members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department; the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; the New York State University Police; New York State Park Police Midstate District – Saratoga Zone; Wilton Fire Department and Saratoga Springs Fire Department. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department will showcase one of its fire engines in the backyard and offer fire safety information and kids activities while occupying the NYRA Community Booth.
Ben & Jerry’s will offer a complimentary scoop of ice cream in a Saratoga Race Course branded mini fire helmet cup to the first 500 fans, with a suggested donation to benefit the Saratoga Springs Firefighters Community Fund. The free ice cream will be available, while supplies last, at Ben & Jerry’s backyard location at Saratoga Race Course across from Berkshire Bank Horse Sense. The ice cream is provided by Ben & Jerry’s franchisee Patrick Pipino as a benefit for the Saratoga Springs Firefighters IAFF Local 343 Community Fund. The fund supports various youth sports teams in Saratoga Springs and benefits those with health complications or families who have suffered from a fire.
First Responder Day festivities will also include a trackside demonstration by a New York State Police K-9 unit. The featured K-9 is a three-year-old Belgian Malinois named Chuck, who is trained in explosive detection, tracking, fugitive apprehension and handler protection. Chuck is currently assigned to the State Police Barracks at the New York State Capitol and is named in memory of Sargeant Station Commander Charles R. Salaway, who aided in search and rescue efforts following the attacks of September 11 and passed away in 2018 from conditions related to his service.
The day will include a series of recruiting events offering fans the opportunity to learn about the benefits of a career in public service. The first will be held between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch and will highlight career opportunities with the Saratoga Springs Police Department; Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; New York State University Police; and New York State Police.
In addition, members of the Saratoga Hospital Human Resources team will be on site from noon to 4 p.m., across from the Jockey Silks Porch, to provide information on job openings in health care and will distribute Albany Med Health System giveaways.
The Wilton Fire Department will also host a recruiting event at on First Responders Day at Saratoga Race Course.
