Minot Forest Elementary School students got to thank the men and women who help keep them safe on First Responders Appreciation Day on Saturday.

Police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and members of the Department of Natural Resources were honored for their work in the community.

This is the first year the school has held First Responders Appreciation Day, said fourth grade teacher and organizer Mike Houdlette. Since September, the curriculum has focused on being part of a community and this event is the culmination of that unit.

The students made thank-you notes for first responders and wrote essays on what makes Wareham great. The 16 winners of the essay contest were recognized in a ceremony on Saturday.

There were around 100 children in attendance for what Houdlette said he hopes will become an annual event. Kids were treated to a K-9 demonstration with German shepherd Rolf attacking a “bad guy,” played by Aaron Pacheco. They also climbed in ambulances, patrol boats and fire trucks to pose for photos.

More than 250 students voted on who would receive the title of “first responder of the year," a title claimed by Wareham Fire Chief Robert McDuffy.

“We really want our students to recognize first responders and thank them for their help to our school,” said Minot Forest Elementary Principal Joan Seamans.