Honoring Upper Merion Township’s First Responders

From October 27 to 31, King of Prussia District, in partnership with Upper Merion Township (UMT), proudly hosted the 6th Annual First Responders Appreciation Week, presented by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s King of Prussia Campus.

This beloved community initiative recognizes and celebrates UMT’s dedicated career and volunteer first responders with a week filled with delicious meals, heartfelt appreciation and community connection.

The week began with an opening reception and luncheon at the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company, the host for this year’s festivities. During the opening ceremony, UMT Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tina Garzillo expressed her gratitude to all first responders for their selfless service, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining the township’s safety and strong sense of community. Glen Martinez, Security Sergeant for CHOP King of Prussia, expressed the organization’s deep appreciation for Upper Merion’s first responders and shared that their ongoing commitment to supporting these dedicated individuals is what inspires CHOP to continue presenting this event. Upper Merion Township’s Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Blaine Leis, Upper Merion Township Chief of Fire and EMS James Johnson and Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors and Supervisor Liaison to the Public Safety Citizen Advisory Board William Jenaway, joined in recognizing the tireless efforts of these local heroes. Eric Goldstein, King of Prussia District’s President & CEO, shared appreciation for both our incredible First Responders and the sponsors whose generosity continues to make this special week possible, presenting a check for $3,000 to the Upper Merion Department of Public Safety on behalf of Upper Merion Township, King of Prussia District and all of our sponsors.

Throughout First Responders Appreciation Week, more than 250 first responders enjoyed a variety of meals and treats from some of King of Prussia’s favorite restaurants and food trucks, all made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.

Meals were provided throughout the week from King of Prussia favorites including Bagelicious, Bang Cookies, Bartaco, Cava, Cinnabon, Cluster’s Handcrafted Popcorn, First Watch, Founding Farmers, The Kibitz Room, Seasons 52, Spread Bagelry, The Cheesecake Factory and Tommy’s Tavern + Tap. The festivities also featured food trucks including Kresha’s Kreations and Many Hands Coffee Co., along with coffee from Café Gourmino.

While one week of meals can’t fully capture the community’s appreciation, this annual event offers a meaningful opportunity for King of Prussia’s business community to come together and express gratitude for those who serve and protect every day.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Supporting Sponsors: Brandywine Realty Trust, Eigen X, King of Prussia Town Center, Police and Fire Federal Credit Union, Radial, SERVPRO of King of Prussia, The Kubach Family, SERVPRO of King of Prussia, Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, Valley Forge Casino Resort, Valley Forge Shopping Center and Wurzak Hotel Group.

Friend Sponsors: Arkema Inc., Bacchi Funeral Home, Industrial Investments and Pro Team Collision.

Print Sponsor: Conlin’s Print,