Mars-area native Pirates pitcher David Bednar signs a baseball Tuesday morning. Bednar and team manager Derek Shelton visited a number of local fire departments Tuesday to honor first responders.

ADAMS TWP — Mars-area native Pirates pitcher David Bednar and team manager Derek Shelton began their rounds at Butler County fire departments Tuesday morning with a visit to the Adams Area Fire District.

Those tours, part of the team's first responder appreciation program, began in the county with the Adams Area visit and would continue later in the morning with a visit to the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company.

There, Bednar and Shelton signed memorabilia and distributed hats and tickets to help honor the Pittsburgh area's first responders.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story pick up a copy of tomorrow's Butler Eagle or check back at butlereagle.com tomorrow morning.