Families and individuals who have been touched by substance use disorder honored the EMS professionals who served them and in many cases saved their lives.
"When we get to come together like this, we get to see that our work is meaningful," Matt Parrish said.
Parrish is the Program Supervisor for RREACT, Columbus' Rapid Response Emergency Addiction Crisis Team.
"This is the best part of our job," he said. "Often, we go out and help people but we never get to know the outcome. This is a great event that allows first responders to see the other side of someone's journey."
Saturday's celebration gave people on the road to recovery a chance to honor the people who played a role in saving their lives.
"I had an accidental overdose," John Gerlach said. "I lived in a one-bedroom apartment and no one had seen me in two days. They tracked me down and saw my lifeless body through the window."
Gerlach said after first responders saved his life, he promised them he would go to rehab and counseling, but he didn't go. It wasn't until he said he hit another bottom that he decided to take a serious step.
"Someone told me God is only going to throw you so many life-preserves and then he is going to come out and get you himself," he said. "Now, I am coming up on seven years sober."
The #WeDoRecover Event was a celebration of gratitude from the Recovery Community to the first responders, but also acted as a milestone for those people on a journey to recovery.
"People in recovery deserve the opportunity and recognition for their journey just like anyone we assist whether it’s a cardiac arrest, car accident or a fire," Parrish said.
May 15-21 was designated as EMS Appreciation Week. It was an opportunity to educate the public on the role of Emergency Medical Technicians and share the public's appreciation for the selfless EMS professionals who answer the call every day and provide lifesaving services to their communities.
Saturday's event was presented in partnership with the Desert Island Club and RREACT Alumni Group.