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Area businesses offering free services to police, investigators after Austin bombings

Wednesday, Austin restaurant Iron Works BBQ will be offering a free lunch to any and all on-duty officers, investigators and agents for their hard work on the recent Austin explosions.

AUSTIN -- After a series of bombings in the Austin-area resulted in the death of a suspect, some Austin businesses are giving their thanks to law enforcement.

Iron Works BBQ offered a free lunch Wednesday to any and all on-duty police officers, federal investigators and agents as a thank you gesture for all of their work involving the recent Austin bombings.

In a tweet, Iron Works stated, "WE are proud of you and THANK YOU."

Pinthouse Pizza and The Original Black's Barbecue are also serving free meals to the men and women who serve our city.

"After we heard the news that the bomber was caught I just think there was a collective just relief for the whole city," Barrett Black of The Original Black's Barbecue said.

Big Al's Diner in Pflugerville will also be offering free meals on Thursday to first responders.

In addition, Austin's Finest Barber Shop will be offering free haircuts to first responders on Monday.

Austin Police Association President Ken Casaday said the thanks is appreciated.

"This bombing on top of (South by Southwest Festival) and our already short patrol shifts have really taken a toll on our department over the last three weeks," Casaday said.

Casaday said the Austin bombings investigation strained officers and some might experience psychological issues.

"Usually after a few weeks you'll start seeing the psychological issues if they pop up," Casaday said. "They don't always pop up."

He said law enforcement is used to dealing with trauma, but if they need help it's there.

"We have an employee assistance program that officers can use, we have our own staff psychologist and we have a peer support unit," Casaday said.

Authorities confirmed that 23-year-old bombing suspect Mark Conditt died Wednesday morning after detonating a bomb in his vehicle as the SWAT team closed in on him to take him into custody. Although Conditt is dead, police still encourage the public to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings because there may be other explosive devices still out there.

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