By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Anybody who wants to meet, support, and interact with local first-responders ought to mark the date of Monday, April 22.
That’s when the 3rd annual Moapa Valley Heroes Night takes place at 5:30 pm, free of charge, at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Logandale.
The event’s main purpose is to recognize and prop up local first responders comprising Emergency Medical Services, firefighters, military members, and law enforcement officers.
“It’s for the community to have an avenue to show support,” said Stephen Neel, Moapa Valley Fire District chief.
Hamburgers and hot dogs will sizzle on the grill for $5 apiece; popcorn and funnel cakes will also be available for consumption.
In addition to served sustenance, the evening is expected to feature a panoply of planned activities and demonstrations similar to those at previous Heroes Nights: bounce houses, interactive presentations, and the use of “drunk goggles” to simulate what it’s like to drive while impaired, explained Neel.
Among the demonstrations will be forceful entry and the employment of K-9 dogs.
What’s more, the get-together has a theme of “Stop the Stigma” to bring more awareness to mental health concerns.
“We are called ‘heroes’ who signed up to do this work, but there’s a stigma that nothing should affect us,” Neel said. “First responders see, hear, and do things other people shouldn’t. The reality is, we’re human and can be affected like anybody else.”
Along those lines, proceeds collected at the April 22 event go toward mental health issues and helping first responders.
Ancillary donations are earmarked to aid the Explorers Program for youth who want to be firefighters, so graduates will have necessary resources to pursue such a livelihood.
For anyone seeking competition at the event, there will be a volleyball match between the police and fire departments, MV High School athletes, and a net for the general public’s use.
“We already have teams selected,” Neel pointed out. “The volleyball is just for fun, but there’s a trophy” up for grabs.
Even so, there’s considerably more to MV Heroes Night than proverbial fun and games.
“It gives us an extra outlet,” the fire chief said. “Many individuals feel they don’t have anybody to help them or talk with, so it may save some lives.”
