NYRA/Coglianese Photo

NYRA to celebrate First Responders Day at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

Highly celebrated FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums to perform at the Spa

First Responders Day also includes second giveaway of season: Saratoga baseball cap

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will honor police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics during First Responders Day at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 7.

The day will feature free grandstand admission for all first responders with proper identification. NYRA will welcome local police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics to the winner's circle for the day's third race, which will be named in honor of first responders.

Fans will also take home the second giveaway of the 2019 meet: a Saratoga baseball cap, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel. The cap features the Saratoga logo against the backdrop of a red, black and gray camouflage print and is free with admission, while supplies last.

The afternoon will include a special appearance by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, which is comprised entirely of active and retired New York City firefighters. Since September 11, 2001, the band has played at all 543 funerals and memorials for New York City firefighters who gave their lives both during and in the years following the World Trade Center attack. This number includes the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished on September 11.

"We are proud to welcome to Saratoga the highly-regarded FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and all first responders who are a vital resource in critical times of need," said NYRA CEO & President Dave O'Rourke. "We look forward to celebrating these everyday heroes for their commitment to the health, safety and security of our communities with a day in their honor at Saratoga Race Course."

The FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, an annual attraction in the New York City Saint Patrick's Day parade, will perform at Saratoga on the track apron following the sixth race at approximately 3:30 p.m. The band will be featured on Saratoga Live on FS2 which airs beginning at 1 p.m.

A variety of emergency service vehicles and equipment will be on display in and around the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion, including a fire truck from the Saratoga Springs Fire Department; a K9 unit from the Saratoga Springs Police Department; and an EMS vehicle from Clifton Park EMS.

Numerous local police, fire and emergency service departments will host activities and demonstrations at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion throughout the afternoon.

The New York State Police (Troop G) will educate fans about the danger of impaired and distracted driving through various activities, including impaired vision goggles, which simulate the effects of drunk driving; and a vehicle rollover simulator, which demonstrates what happens to vehicle occupants during a rollover crash. The state police will also host a child's safety seat installation demonstration inside the Coca-Cola Pavilion.

Fans can learn about the importance of wearing seat belts during a demonstration from the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. The Saratoga Springs Police Department will also provide information about bike safety.

Local emergency care providers will showcase a number of life-saving and health management techniques throughout the afternoon, including CPR demonstrations from Clifton Park EMS; fire safety tips from the Saratoga Springs City Fire Department; mental health awareness tips from the Saratoga Department of Mental Health and Addiction; and information and demonstrations about trauma prevention by Albany Medical Center.

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs will host a demonstration to showcase the importance of sprinkler systems within residences and businesses to prevent the spread of fire.

The 2019 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. Racing at Saratoga is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays. Closing week will run Wednesday, August 28 through Labor Day, Monday, September 2.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.