INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts spent Tuesday making stops all around the city, thanking first responders and essential workers for their hard work during the pandemic.
The Colts' mascot Blue and cheerleaders handed out gifts and free lunch to the people keeping the city safe and moving.
Indianapolis Fire Department Station 13 was the first stop on the Colts' thank you tour. Every firefighter received a scarf with entertainment provided by Blue.
"A huge boost,” said firefighter Dan New. “It's great to have a community that supports you and comes out and pays attention to you. The Colts are obviously a big organization, everybody loves them. Just having them show up - we all watch them together as a group all the time. So, it's very, very nice to be recognized."
IMPD officers also enjoyed a slice or two of pizza during middle shift roll call at IMPD southeast district headquarters in Fountain Square. Encouragement from the community is always appreciated, but especially during a pandemic nearing two years.
"This can be kind of taxing over time,” said IMPD Captain Steve Ferklic. “Especially since it's going on much longer than maybe anybody expected originally. So, it's been tough. But we're very sturdy people, and we're out here to do a job, and we're committed."
The Colts' community Tuesday events usually involve the players getting out to visit the public but not since the start of the pandemic. This is now the second season without the players being allowed to interact with fans because of COVID-19 restrictions and precautions.
"They'd love to be here,” said Colts Senior Events Manager Chelsea Durham. “They'd love to be able to be out in the community. But due to NFL policies, unfortunately, we have to keep our social distance just to keep everybody safe. So, we want to do our part. We're out here with Colts cheerleaders and Blue. You know, you can't keep Blue away from anyone."
Blue spent time hanging out with bus drivers at IndyGo headquarters while the cheerleaders made sure each person in the drivers' lounge received a gift scarf
and personal thank you.
"I like being able to be in the community, help out people and make sure people get to their appointments and doctors, jobs, all that kind of stuff on time,” said IndyGo bus driver Richard Taylor.
Colts cheerleaders, Blue surprise frontline workers with gifts and free lunch
The Colts celebrate their fan appreciation game Sunday, Jan. 2 when they host the Las Vegas Raiders.