Well over 100 area residents turned out to see fire, police and ambulance vehicles and talk to first responders at the 18th annual Community Heroes Day hosted by the Emmaus Public Library.

The event was first held at the library shortly after the terrorist attacks on America Sept. 11, 2001. It was created by the late Martha Vines, then the children’s librarian. Vines wanted to reassure children there were still firefighters and police officers available to protect them after seeing reports about the first responders who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

Vine’s brainchild is now one of the biggest and most important events the library hosts all year. It has proved to be not only a lot of fun for “kids of all ages,” but it gives community residents a chance to meet and thank the people who put their lives on the line every day to save others.

The evening showcased units from the Emmaus Police, Ambulance Corps and Fire Department, as well as the Upper Milford Fire Department’s Vera Cruz Station. First responders kept busy providing handouts and answering questions from youngsters and adults alike.

One firefighter said he and his fellow crewmates, “look forward to this night every year.”