The Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce will host a virtual First Responders Appreciation event on Nov. 12 from 8 to 9 a.m. The event will be attended by local first responders, Downtown Chamber members and community leaders. This year’s event will highlight local health care heroes with stories from those who have been affected by COVID-19 in our community. Downtown Chamber businesses are submitting videos and written testimonials that will be shared during the program; those who would like to share messages of appreciation can email cellphone videos or written notes by Nov. 1 to community@dtchamber.com.