Policemen, firemen and paramedics arrived on scene at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house this Tuesday, not for emergency purposes, but to be fed by the fraternity.
The outside of the SigEp house at Lee and Jefress St. looked similar to the scene of an emergency, but on the inside emergency workers were being thanked for what they do for the community by means of a free meal.
Martin Police Department, Martin Fire Department and UTM Police were invited to have lunch at the SigEp house. To-go plates were available for those who had to return to their stations.
“This is our way of saying thanks to a group that is often times not thanked enough,” says President John Lankford. “We all either know someone that has received help from emergency workers or we’ve received that help ourselves,” Lankford says.
Over 20 uniformed workers came by the SigEp house to take part in the luncheon. Fraternity member Nathan Patterson, freshmen wildlife biology major, from Dickson, Tenn, coordinated this event.
“t feels good to give back to the community,” says Patterson. “Everyone was very thankful for us hosting the luncheon. I’m glad we did it.”
SigEp plans to continue this event in the future and hopes to be able to thank more individuals in the community.
“SigEp’s mission is to build balanced leaders for the world’s communities,” Lankford says. “This starts by giving back to the community that has given to you.”