CHESAPEAKE — The local community came out Friday to celebrate a doctor who provided service for the Tri-State for 30 years.

Family, friends, patient and public officials surprised Dr. Candace Duty, a chiropractic physician in Chesapeake, with a party marking the anniversary.

Duty, who is a board certified in acupuncture, opened her business on Nov. 19. 1985. She currently practices at 11171 County Road.

“I was pleasantly surprised and emotionally touched that people came out,” she said, noting the turnout from all around. “Events like this are what it takes to build a strong community.”

Duty’s son, William Smith, said that acupuncture is one of the ways doctors can relieve pain, without turning to prescription painkillers.

Smith organized the event, along with Duty’s office manager Missy Burns and longtime patient Teresa Taylor.

Jessica Boyd, of the Ohio State Chiropractic Association, was also there to honor Duty and presented her with a plaque to mark the anniversary.

“OSCA is very pleased to celebrate 30 years of an inspiring chiropractor,” she said.

Duty received a shirt, made by a patient, picturing a skeleton, which read “I’ve had your back for 30 years.”

Meanwhile, around town, signs could be found celebrating Duty at local businesses, such as Giovanni’s Pizza, while a sign, put up by the city at the foot of the Robert C. Byrd Bridge read “Thank you, Dr. Candace Duty, for 30 years of practice in Chesapeake.”