Remembering First Responders Throughout the Year

Veterans are some of the most important people in our country. Their service and sacrifice has made possible many of the advantages that everyone enjoys each day. There are many people who are called by a spirit of service and choose to take up this path of sacrifice. First responders, including fire fighters and police officers, are also distinguished by their proud history of personal sacrifice in the service of others. In fact, there is one day when a special effort is made to remember the brave actions of these and other first responders. Being mindful of the effort these people put in on a daily basis is one way of being supportive of their very important work.

A Special Holiday

Patriot Day is a holiday set aside in September to remember those who were hurt and killed in the terrorist attacks of 2001. This day includes the honoring of first responders. For many people, that day over ten years ago served as very real evidence that heroes were still alive and walking among us. Seeing the tireless and selfless effort that went into protecting the thousands of citizens directly affected helped an entire country cope with a violent and senseless act of terror.

The Valuable Work Performed by First Responders

First responders run towards a disaster when others turn away. Their training and dedication gives them a level of bravery that few others are likely to have required of them. They respond quickly and efficiently to ensure that people remain as safe as possible under the circumstances. A prompt and organized response helps subsequent support efforts reach the people who need them most.

Who Are First Responders and What Do They Do?

The term first responder is applied to any member of an emergency service department that arrives first to the site of any natural disaster, emergency, or other situation that threatens human health and life. There are many different first responders who work hard to manage these complex and dangerous circumstances. First responders include:

• Fire fighters and forest fire fighters
• Police officers
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
• Paramedics
• Equipment operators
• Emergency site managers
• Emergency site support staff

The work done by these personnel can be as varied as containing a fire, setting up an emergency medical site, coordinating an evacuation or rescue, moving debris caused by an earthquake or sinkhole, or deploying resources to help people who have suffered a disaster. First responder work is difficult but very rewarding; there are few other jobs where a person might save a life while at work.

Thanking the First Responders in Your Community

To give back to the first responders in your community, consider donating to the various charities and funds that benefit the family members of first responders injured or killed on the job. Simply saying “thank you” is a direct way of expressing respect and gratitude. A kind word is sure to brighten someone’s day.

Each year we remember the brave efforts of these civic servants during several important national holidays and on Patriot Day in particular. Next September, make sure to keep gratitude for the bravery of these and other first responders in your heart.

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