A Bridgeport church showed appreciation for first responders with a special Father’s Day celebration on Sunday.

El Shaddai Church held a “thank you” ceremony at the Morton Government Center for Bridgeport police officers and firefighters. The event included music, food, dancing, and heartfelt messages.

Pastor Mary McBride Lee said she wanted to recognize those who put their lives on the line every day, often for strangers.

“And it was just beautiful,” she said. “We wanted to show them that we cared about them. We even gave them citations from the City of Bridgeport and from the Bridgeport City Council saying how much we appreciate them and thank them for keeping us safe.”

The group also honored the families of officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.