As a way to increase awareness and simultaneously say thanks to Franklin County’s first responders, the Sheriff’s Office is inviting the public to a special “Hometown Heroes” celebration on Aug. 5.

The event will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the Southern Middle Tennessee Pavilion, 1041 Wilton Circle, Winchester.

Event-goers will have the opportunity to meet first responders and see, first-hand, how their equipment works.

Other activities planned include a Kidz Zone,a first responders vehicle best-in-show competition, food trucks, a K-9 demonstration, a mock DUI crash and more.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office developed the “Hometown Heroes” event with the citizens of Franklin County in mind, according to a press release.

The event allows residents to come out, have fun and meet first responders, but it doesn’t stop there.

“We will host several resources to raise awareness of services available to members of our community,” Samuel Davidson, the Sheriff’s Office public information officer, said. “We are proud to have the following resources in attendance and at your service.”

They include:

— Franklin County Prevention Coalition: A community coalition that brings people and organizations together to reduce youth substance abuse and violence through education and prevention strategies in Franklin County.

— Blood Assurance: A blood bank that provides a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components cost-effectively to patients in the community.

— Haven of Hope: An organization that provides proactive, curative, and preventative measures against domestic violence and other violent crimes. Haven of Hope provides resources to strengthen and empower victims to resolve their issues and problems.

— MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving which aims to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of the violent outcomes and prevent underage drinking.

— Centerstone: A nonprofit health system that offers counseling, addiction recovery and psychiatric care, along with crisis services such as mobile crisis response, outpatient care and a telephone crisis line.

— Health Connect: An organization that provides mental and behavioral health services to children, families, and adults across multiple states.

— Project Lifeline: An entity created to reduce the stigma attached to people with addiction and to help individuals move from incarceration to treatment and support through recovery services.

— American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: A foundation with a mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. The foundation funds research, trains clinicians and advocates for policies that save lives.

— Rapha Center: A treatment facility that offers healing and recovery to those struggling with mental health issues and addiction.

— Early Literacy Ambassadors: A nonprofit corporation committed to early literacy support in Tennessee.