Reading Terminal Market Throws Thank-You Breakfast for Phila. First Responders
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Reading Terminal Market is more than seven miles from the scene of last month's disastrous Amtrak train derailment, but that didn't keep merchants at the market from admiring the quick response of police and firefighters.
Today, they gave those first responders something back.
As fire commissioner Derrick Sawyer acknowledged, appreciation is not always easy to come by.
"We can't always reward our members," he said. So he was happy to let Reading Terminal Market businesses do it in their own way, with a free breakfast.
"Bacon, pancakes," listed one police officer. "French toast -- the french toast was amazing! -- and the bread pudding," said a firefighter.
"We just appreciate the service and the great job the first responders did after the Amtrak accident," noted
Sarah Levitsky, the market's events manager. She says the merchants have their own relationship with police and firefighters and were proud of the job they did that day.
"The courthouse is down the street, so oftentimes they spend time in here," Levitsky explained, "and we just appreciate the service that they provide for the city, keeping us all safe."
Police commissioner Charles Ramsey told the market merchants that the feeling is mutual:
"I want to thank you, not just for this, but for all the support you give us year round," he said.