Olive Garden shows their gratitude to first responders

Every Labor Day, Olive Garden shows their thanks to first responders by preparing and serving them a delicious Italian meal.

General Manager Leo Hurtado, who’s been with the franchise for over a decade said it’s gratifying to be able to show their appreciation to first responders, for the sacrifice they make for the community.

“Just a wonderful feeling. Being able to serve them their meals. Get to know them. Get to know the fire stations. Get to know what they do in a everyday work,” said Hurtado.

Being able to take their minds off work and enjoy a meal with their peers makes it all worth it.

Hurtado said, “It’s the expression on their faces where they just feel appreciated. And I think that goes a long way.”

Imperial County Fire Department Fire Captain, Aaron Castro said, moments like this gets him and his team the extra boost needed to do their job.

“Receiving any kind of thanks is very refreshing. It’s very motivational. We see that our good deeds do go noticed. And it’s kind of refreshing to kinda go the extra mile when we’re tired or we’ve been working really hard,” said Castro.

Knowing the love that went into preparing every dish, makes every bite more satisfying.

Castro said, “It’s gonna be like having a home cooked meal. We know that individuals spent time on it. And that they came over here and they drove out of their way. Took time from their day to feed someone else.”