The Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon, a senior living community, recently hosted a special luncheon for local first responders, thanking them for the service and care they provide throughout the year. For Memory Care Director Debra Motes, giving the firefighters and EMTs the opportunity to connect with seniors in a relaxed environment — rather than an emergency — was a wonderful sight to behold. 

“Seeing the residents socialize with the firefighters was really a beautiful thing,” Motes said. “They were excited to take pictures with them and build those connections — it became a real bonding event.” 

The First Responders Luncheon unfolded on May 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Public safety personnel from Rural Metro Fire Stations 73 and 74, along with EMTs from American Medical Response attended the event. Motes said that the food offering included barbecue pork, chicken and an array of fixings. In addition to having lunch with the seniors, each of the public safety personnel took home care packages of nuts, gum, mints, other candies and a stress ball. 

Amid the luncheon, Tucson Place senior residents had the opportunity to shake hands with the first responders and thank them personally. Motes noted that some of the residents in the community are retired nurses and the event served to celebrate them for their service as well. 

This year marked the inaugural First Responders Luncheon, but Motes said that she hopes to continue it for years to come — inviting local police departments for future events. Part of the goal is to ensure that the firefighters, EMTs, police officers and seniors are not strangers to one another. 

“I want them to be very comfortable when those guys come in, because usually when we call the first responders, we’re having a major event — it’s stressful,” the memory care director explained. “Even if they’re not the individual that needs their help, the residents are stressed because they’re concerned about another person.

“I want to get them familiar with these people, so that when they do come in, it feels familiar.”

The first responder luncheon is one of various events and programs Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon hosts throughout the year. From Father’s Day and snow cones for the Fourth of July to monthly dementia support meetings, Motes said the hope is that residents remain socially engaged, connected to the community and able to continue making meaningful memories.

For Motes, the First Responder Luncheon was ultimately about expressing gratitude to the local firefighters and EMTs and fostering more positive interactions with the senior community. To all of the first responders that regularly lend their aid to Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon, Motes said she extends her heartfelt thanks. 

“Our first responders show up for us every day, often without a word of thanks,” Motes said in a statement. “We wanted to flip the script for a couple of hours, feed them well and send them back to work with something that says what a quick wave can’t.

“We want them to be seen and feel appreciated.”

For more information about Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon and its lineup of community events, visit pegasusseniorliving.com.