VERSAILLES,Ky. — Woodford County Public Schools are offering meals for First Responders to spend time with their students during lunch. 

T.A. Rankins, fire chief for the Versailles Fire Department, joined students at Woodford County Middle School for lunch. 

“A lot of times, we see these kids and it’s the worst day of their life and we want to have relationships with them outside of making runs in this community,” Rankins said.

Danny Adkins, superintendent, says this year, Woodford County Public Schools started a new initiative to give back to first responders: receive a free meal in exchange for their time.

“I just want them to realize that you know if they’ve got that uniform on, they’re there to help,” Adkins said.

It provides an extra layer of security and an opportunity to create positive relationships within the community. 

“If they see something now, they’re going to feel comfortable, we hope, comfortable to approach, say, a police officer or even a firefighter or a medic. Those types of folks that are the helpers,” Adkins said.

But Rankins says, it’s more than just a free lunch.

“You know, we wouldn’t mind paying for these meals. It’s the access to the kids that really has an impact on my guys and having time to sit down with them and communicate with them,” Rankins said.

The conversations may be about fire, or even their dreams in life.

“Each of you, tell me what you want to be when you grow up,” Rankins said.

It’s a bond that Rankins and Adkins are excited to create this school year. 

The school district plans to do this for the entire school year, and hopes to continue this opportunity for first responders for years to come.