In recognition of our nation’s heroes and those here at home, the island’s first responders banded together for a special celebration with the community.

Flashing lights and wailing sirens are the familiar sights and sounds that typically signal help is on the way during critical situations.

But today, they’re signifying a celebration as the nation recognizes Emergency Services Week.

First responders with the Guam Fire Department, Naval, and Andersen Air Force bases rolled out their ambulances and firetrucks for a parade of lights at some of the island’s public schools.

Lt. Jacob Olivas is with the Andersen Fire Department.

“That was meaningful for us because the students are going to be the future firefighters, EMTs, and first responders–and that’s what today’s about: giving credit to those first responders who are currently serving, have served in the past, and will be serving in the future,” said Olivas.

His message aligned with this year’s EMS Week theme: “Honoring our past and forging our future.”

Still, it’s clear these hometown heroes aren’t on the front lines for the credit.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served this community and to continue to serve it. It’s a very humbling profession, and I'm just very grateful to be a part of it,” said Olivas.

Meantime, the crews rounded out their parade of lights with a pathway for future first responders with static displays of the fire trucks at the Agana Shopping Center to coincide with informational booths with the island’s different agencies.