Hooters Joins Effort To Enact A National First Responders Day

News provided by

Aug 18, 2016, 03:15 ET

ATLANTA, Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2013, ONE man has been pushing Congress to formally recognize the contributions of First Responders in our community. Andrew Collier, brother of slain MIT police officer Sean Collier who gave his life protecting his community during the Boston marathon bombing tragedy, has been lobbying Congress to designate ONE day to recognize the contribution and sacrifice of First Responders across America – a National First Responders Day.

Inspired by Andrew's determined efforts and on behalf of First Responders across America, Hooters has partnered with the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Black Police Association and Thankyoufirstresponder.org to launch FirstRespondersDay.org. ONE website where Americans can express our gratitude and share our support for First Responders and sign a petition formally requesting that Congress pass, and the President sign, legislation creating a National First Responders Day.

The drive to secure ONE million petition signatures has become a grassroots movement to make National First Responders Day a reality. MLB Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, politician and activist Ambassador Andrew Young, ESPN football analyst Jon Gruden, and NASCAR driver Greg Biffle are among the many supporters who encourage Americans to sign the petition. UFC President Dana White, UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin and UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic have also joined the effort. The UFC's Stipe Miocic is ONE of the millions of First Responders nationwide serving his community as a part-time firefighter and paramedic. With this broad coalition of support, we will reach the goal of ONE million signatures and ultimately get the attention of Congress.

In addition to signing the petition, Americans can show their support for First Responders by posting a picture on social media using the hashtag #OneWordOneDay and holding a sign with ONE word that they believe best represents First Responders. See what's been shared at FirstRespondersDay.org.

"Once we heard about Andrew Collier's efforts it took us about two seconds to decide that we would actively support the cause of establishing a National First Responders Day. It would have taken less time but we were momentarily stunned that Andrew did not find enough support for his efforts," said Terry Marks, CEO of Hooters. "Each and every day, and at great personal risk, First Responders protect all Americans by doing the work that many of us, if we are honest with ourselves, wonder whether we would have the courage to do. All Americans are safer because of their sacrifices, and it's beyond time to honor those sacrifices with a special day of recognition."

Hooters is expressing its thanks to our Nation's First Responders by treating them to a free entrée. On Tuesday September 20, all First Responders can select an item from a special menu that includes, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Hooters Burger, 10-Piece Traditional Wings and 10-Piece Boneless Wings, when they present a valid ID at any Hooters location across the nation.

About Hooters of America
Hooters of America, LLC, is the franchisor and operator of more than 420 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 26 countries. Known for its world famous Hooters Style chicken wings, the first Hooters opened its doors in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Expectations were so modest at the time that the simple fact the doors opened was deemed worthy of a toast. Since then millions have been liberated from the ordinary at Hooters while enjoying great food, fun and one-of-a-kind hospitality. For more information about Hooters visitwww.hooters.com or follow us at www.Twitter.com/Hooters, www.Facebook.com/Hooters, www.Instagram.com/Hooters or on Snapchat at "hootersLIVE".

About Thank You First Responder
The Thank You First Responder Organization (TYFRO) is a grassroots effort whose purpose is to raise awareness, support, celebrate, honor and most importantly say "Thank You" to ALL of our Nation's First Responders for the difficult job they do every day by putting their lives on the line to protect and enhance our country and way of life.

About the National Association of Police Organizations
NAPO is a coalition of police units and associations from across the United States that serves to advance the interests of America's law enforcement through legislative and legal advocacy, political action, and education. Founded in 1978, NAPO now represents more than 1,000 police units and associations and 241,000 sworn law enforcement officers, and more than 100,000 citizens who share a common dedication to fair and effective crime control and law enforcement.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160818/399455LOGO

SOURCE Hooters