Honoring those who serve

While covering the remembrance and reflection events commemorating the anniversary of 9/11 this past week, I was able to visit with many of the area’s first responders.

It dawned on me again the impact they have on our communities.

First responders include members from many agencies: police, firemen, paramedics/EMT’s, dispatchers, disaster agencies and even volunteers.

They come from a different stock than most.

They run in, while others run out.

They’re special. They’re heroes.

I’ve witnessed first hand many of the different roles these fine men and women undertake.

Everything from firefighters battling a fully engulfed structure to a police officer reading to a kindergarten class.

They’re the helpers.

They keep us safe and should be honored much more frequently than they are.

Firefighter fatalities in 2017 were 67 nationwide.

Police line of duty deaths stand at 93 for this year, according to the Officers Down Memorial website.

Many states have introduced some form of a Blue Lives Matter bill including, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and many others.

In this day and age where it seems to be more popular to bash those that wear a badge, I for one will continue to applaud those who protect and serve.

I urge all of us not only to pray for them, but walk up and thank them.

They’ll look good walking up to you in your time of need.