Local first responders converged on Bulldog Stadium recently, but not for their usual duty.

This time, it was as invited guests as Northern Lehigh School District lauded them for their service as part of First Responders Night.

They were honored before the Northern Lehigh-Jim Thorpe football game Oct. 20.

The event recognized all of the first responders who serve the Northern Lehigh School District, said Bryan Geist, the school’s athletic director.

Geist said that included more than 100 first responders who attended the tailgate with food and drinks supplied by the Northern Lehigh School District.

Departments were the Slatington Fire Department, Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport, Emerald Fire Department, Friedens Fire Department, Slatedale Fire Department, Neffs Fire Department, Slatington Police Department, Walnutport Police Department, Northern Valley Ambulance and the Northern Lehigh School District Police.

“Chiefs/directors from all of the departments attended the coin flip and national anthem before kickoff at midfield,” Geist said.

Among those on hand were Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport fire Chief Michael Wentz, Slatington Fire Deputy Chief Robert Reph, Slatedale fire Chief Bob Schramel, Emerald fire Chief Tito Burgos, Friedens fire Chief Joel Merkel, Neffs fire Chief Jim Steward, Slatington Police Chief Greg Winokur, Walnutport Police Chief Pete Wayda, and NOVA Director Kristie Wentling.