SERVPRO perfect tie-in for First Responder Bowl

By Mercedes Mayer

**BOWL IS OFFICIALLY A NO CONTEST DUE TO WEATHER**

DALLAS – Even if SERVPRO professionals are quick to respond to property damage emergencies, they’re often times the second to respond after, well, first responders.

So becoming the title sponsor of the first-year SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas was really a no-brainer for the national restoration company.

“Absolutely a no-brainer,” said Chad Lewis, SERVPRO national’s director of marketing. “It’s a great tie for our brand, and I think it’s a great tie for the first responders as well. This is the first sporting event to honor the first responders. It is a good highlight for them to have a national presence to showcase the good that they all do.

“It’s awesome because without them we can’t do what we do,” Lewis said. “A one-two punch is the way we like to look at it.”

Cheering on No. 25 Boise State and Boston College Wednesday afternoon were first responders from all over the state, gifted tickets by corporate sponsors including more than 1,000 tickets from SERVPRO.

The focus on first responders was also evident all around the stadium with a Dallas Fire-Rescue Department engine, a Dallas Police Department SWAT vehicle, and a Dallas Police squad car parked in the south end zone throughout the game. First responder vehicles from other Dallas-area departments also lined the Red and Blue Fanzone just outside the Cotton Bowl.

“You get pats on the back and stuff but to have somebody out in the forefront having a bowl for first responders – firemen, policemen, dispatchers, everybody – to have them recognized is very much appreciated,” said Dallas Police Department Sergeant David Conley who was standing watch over the squad car in the end zone. “SERVPRO has supported our department before, and we appreciate their partnership. It’s nothing but positive things.”

What SERVPRO First Responder Bowl executive director Brant Ringler has seen this week is a company that is “all in” on making the week a great experience for Boise State and Boston College players, coaches and fans.

“Once we made the change [to the First Responder Bowl], SERVPRO was right there to step on board,” Ringler said. “What they already do for the community and first responders is unbelievable. It’s a very natural fit for us to be working together and something we hope we can build on.”

The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl made it a priority to recognize friends and neighbors across the community who protect and serve, and it did that admirably.

“We’ve had a blast,” Lewis said. “It’s a perfect matchup.”

Perfect both on and off the field.