GRANITE CITY — Granite City School District #9 honored local first responders during a halftime ceremony Tuesday night, Jan. 13, 2026, at a basketball game, recognizing police officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs for their service to the community.
The event, held at the Granite City High School gymnasium, was designated First Responders Night and featured free admission for first responders from the area.
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The ceremony included a special tribute to police officer Tyler Timmons, who is recovering after being shot in a recent incident.
Granite City Coach Gerard Moore, who led the halftime salute, said the event was meant to show appreciation for the men and women who protect the community.
“Those are really our heroes. Those are the guys who protect us and keep us safe, keep us going to bed at night with ease and not having to worry about what could happen,” Moore said.
“It was special for me, it was special for our school district, the guys that put it together. Our administrators, Chris Mitchell and Chris McCullough, these guys have done a great job of putting that together for our district.”
Coach Moore added that the night was about more than basketball.
“Really, it wasn't about a basketball game; it was a show of love and support for our first responders, and I felt really good about tonight because of that. I can go home tonight, and I said thank you to the real heroes, and to me, that's bigger than basketball.”
Officials said nearly every first responder in the Granite City area attended the event, which aimed to publicly recognize their dedication and sacrifices.
