Riverhead Raceway honors first responders during beloved annual tradition
The racetrack hosted its annual First Responders Night, honoring the police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency personnel who serve communities across Long Island.
More Stories
A large police presence filled Riverhead Raceway Saturday night for the annual First Responders Night.
The event honors police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency personnel who serve communities across Long Island.
First responders paraded around the track during the opening ceremony as fans cheered and thanked them for their service.
"It's awesome. They deserve to have some fun too," one spectator said.
For former EMS volunteer Jason Savoy, the event is a meaningful way to recognize the sacrifices first responders make every day.
"It's a great thing," Savoy said. "The volunteers give up a lot of time, family time, holidays, cold dinners when everybody else ate and they had to run out the door. So it's good to see everybody giving back to them and let them have some fun."
Organizers say First Responders Night has become one of Riverhead Raceway's signature events since the tradition began after the September 11 attacks.
"We've always been patriotic here at Riverhead," said Riverhead Raceway General Manager John Ellwood. "And, ever since 9/11, we've taken it serious on our first responders and we give them an opportunity to come here and showcase their things."
While first responders are usually tasked with pulling over speeding drivers, the event gave some of them a chance to get behind the wheel themselves.
"Seeing them in a car that they're going to go out there and beat the crap out of, I think it's going to be a pretty cool experience for a police officer to do that," said Rafael Stanzione, a car demolition driver.
At least a dozen first responders participated in events throughout the night.
Racer Chance Lutz said the event is especially meaningful because of his own ties to the fire service.
"I'm actually at the Monroe Place Firehouse," Lutz said. "I was in the junior company for a few years. So they're out here tonight supporting us."
Organizers said First Responders Night continues to be one of the busiest and most popular nights of the year at Riverhead Raceway.
