On a weekly basis each fall, local resident Rick Patterson brushes shoulders with men deemed as “modern-day heroes,” looking into the eyes of professional football players as a NFL side judge.

All too often however, those who make an impact in our daily lives are forgotten. That is, until we are in dire need of their help.

To show their support for county fire and law enforcement officials and other emergency specialists that spring into action at a moment’s notice, American Community Bank, where Patterson is employed, and locally-owned Hollywood Productions have teamed up to put together an event named “Celebrating Hometown Heroes.”

The event, which will take place Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lot adjacent to American Community Bank, 217 N. Granard St., in Gaffney, will honor emergency officials. Each of them will receive a free lunch.

“Honestly, you do not think much about them until you’re in trouble and need their help and want them at your immediate service,” Patterson said. “This event is basically a way for us to show them our appreciation and tell them how happy we are for their service.”

Drawings will be held for door prizes and the public will have an opportunity to check out a mobile sports bar.

“I think it is the first time local residents have seen anything like this,” Patterson said. “A nice piece of equipment, it is a 45- to 50-foot trailer that folds out. Complete with tables, wide screen televisions and access to satellite reception, it should be something nice to behold.

“If you think about it, so many times they go unnoticed,” he said. “Yet, it’s something how secure we feel in being able to call 9-1-1 and within minutes a police officer, fire truck or ambulance are there to take care of whatever the problem is. It’s a blessing in my opinion, and it’s about time they were recognized for what they do for us.”