Shane’s Rib Shack will give first responders free meals this week

For their daily acts of saving lives and literally putting out fires, Shane’s Rib Shack wants to honor first responders in the most simple but fitting way — by feeding them.

In correlation with the Shane Rib Shack's designated Fire & EMS Appreciation Week, the barbecue franchise is offering free meals for all firefighters, paramedics and emergency technicians at its more than 20 metro Atlanta locations and restaurants across the country from June 23-30. The offer is requires proof of service at participating locations.

Shane’s Rib Shack crew members will visit area fire stations and emergency medical facilities to hand out certificates, which will be valid for free meals at area Shane’s locations. The meals for the “local community heroes” will include Big Dad BBQ Pork Sandwich Combo, a 20-ounce beverage and a side.

Shane Thompson, founder of the restaurant, said in a news release that he’s always had a special place in his heart for first responders and their “special calling.”

“First responders sacrifice so much for well-being of communities around our nation, and they never ask for recognition in return,” Thompson said in the statement. “The idea behind Fire & EMS Appreciation Week is to tell our brave men and women that, while we will never be able to fully repay the debt they’ve given through their heroism, we deeply appreciate everything they do to keep our friends, families and neighbors safe.”