Chaplain Mark Malizzi Urges Remembrance of First Responders Day on September 27

by Jane Stahl

Chaplain Mark Malizzi wants our help in observing September 27, 2024, as First Responders Appreciation Day in Pennsylvania. Fred Beans has sponsored two billboards on Route 422, billed through Mark’s non-profit ministry, throughout September 2024, to create awareness.

“It’s the law,” Mark explains. In 2021, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law a bill designating September 27 as First Responders Day. Act 27 0f 2021 directs the governor each year to issue a proclamation calling upon all public schools and educational institutions to observe First Responders Day and to conduct exercises recognizing the contributions and remembering the sacrifices that first responders have made.

“Appreciation for First Responders is important; we must never forget who protects and serves our communities,” says Malizzi. “These are people who take time from their families to come and help us. It just breaks my heart when some of these people just feel like nobody appreciates them or cares,” he shares.

“We need a grassroots push to make sure all first responders are thanked that day and every day! My challenge to the community is to find ways to celebrate our brave responders and perhaps even consider volunteering.”

Malizzi helped get the Bill passed and signed in the PA legislation along with PA Representative David Maloney (R-Berks).

A regional first responder chaplain, Malizzi serves and supports many local area fire and police teams. He has received three national awards in the American Police Hall of Fame.

Malizzi is also executive director of Thunder Outreach Ministries, and Chaplain of the Blue Knights, as well as vice president and chaplain of the Boyertown Fire and Rescue and a member of the Berks County Chiefs of Police Association.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1693461194744243.

A "B Inspired" episode featuring Mark is available on your favorite podcast platform. Previous articles about the chaplain can be found on The Boyertown Area Expression. One article was based on the "B Inspired" podcast episode. Several others feature the two Bear Fever bears that Mark customized to celebrate veterans and to highlight the faith work of the Salvation Army. 

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