In honor of sacrifices made by first responders on Sept. 11, 2001, the Houston Rockets, Toyota, and family of owner Tilman J. Fertitta teamed up Monday to show their Patriot Day appreciation to police, fire, and military personnel throughout the Houston area.
As part of a companywide day of service, Rockets and Toyota Center staffers distributed memorabilia and ticket vouchers to local police and fire stations. General manager Rafael Stone, president of business operations Gretchen Sheirr, and players Jae’Sean Tate and Kevin Porter Jr. were among those who made personal visits.
The team also hosted a Toyota Center luncheon for area first responders and military members. Head coach Stephen Silas and several alumni, including Matt Bullard, Mario Elie, Elvin Hayes, and Calvin Murphy, were on hand for the event — which highlighted heroes who showed extraordinary acts of courage while serving.
Scroll on for photos, videos, and reaction from players, staffers, and executives who took part in Monday’s events.
Forward Jae’Sean Tate (@o_tate_) on helping the #Rockets honor Houston’s First Responders: “Anytime I can come out and support our community, especially our First Responders & people who put their lives on the line to make us a better city,of course I can come out & support that” pic.twitter.com/uXluqhgVzx
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 12, 2022
Awesome moment at the Houston Police Department today. Sergeant Erica D. Dean is challenging Kevin Porter Jr. (.@Kevinporterjr) to a game of horse. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/c6pXn8AM63
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) September 12, 2022
GM Rafael Stone on helping the #Rockets honor first responders at HFD station #8: “We do our best down the street to entertain people, whether it’s the Rockets or concerts or whatever, but these guys are protecting people..They’re running into places everybody’s running out of.” pic.twitter.com/6lkJDkM6er
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 12, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr on helping the @HoustonRockets honor the first responders at Houston Fire Dept station #8: “Just how kids look at us as superheroes. These guys are real superheroes.” pic.twitter.com/L2N6lNS3zW
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 12, 2022
Jae’Sean Tate (@o_tate_) and Kevin Porter Jr at Houston Fire Dept #8 near downtown helping the Rockets honor the first responders there pic.twitter.com/dnCDXoOtM1
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 12, 2022
Led by team prez Gretchen Sheirr👇, GM Rafael Stone, Kevin Porter Jr & Jae’Sean Tate, the Rockets at Houston Fire Station #8 as part of the Fertitta family, the Rockets & Toyota Center’s companywide day of service honoring the sacrifices made by 1st responders on Sept. 11, 2001. pic.twitter.com/Nq3CbhfLv0
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 12, 2022
Led by team prez Gretchen Sheirr, GM Rafael Stone, Kevin Porter Jr & Jae’Sean Tate, the Rockets at Houston Fire Station #8 as part of the Fertitta family, the Rockets & Toyota Center’s companywide day of service honoring the sacrifices made by first responders on Sept. 11, 2001. pic.twitter.com/HVsso3phb4
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 12, 2022
After visiting Houston Fire Station 8, GM Rafael Stone, Kevin Porter Jr., & Jae’Sean Tate took a moment to show their appreciation to first responders at HPD South Central Division. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/laE93ImKMM
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) September 12, 2022
Rafael Stone, Gretchen Sheirr, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jae’Sean Tate are visiting Houston first responders today as part of the #Rockets annual 9/11 Day of Service. pic.twitter.com/MGQo4IvONE
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 12, 2022
Kevin Porter Jr. on being asked by the #Rockets to represent them at today’s first responders events:
“It feels good. I love Houston, the city, and I love the organization I play under. It feels like they love me back.”
“It’s dope that I get to represent them.” pic.twitter.com/3lm5nyJKkx
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) September 12, 2022
Houston Rockets players Jae’Sean Tate and Kevin Porter Jr. are out to thank first responders at Fire House #8 #LightTheFuse #Sarge #RocketsWire pic.twitter.com/0OPwMclwF5
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 12, 2022
We played host to members of the @HoustonRockets, and the team also welcomed us to their home court at the @ToyotaCenter.
FYI @KevinPorterJr is confident he can beat one of our officers in a game of HORSE. We have our doubts… pic.twitter.com/j86hyIx0Sm
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 12, 2022
