It simply deserves a thank you

Just Thinking

By Earlene Ward

(Updated: Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 5:02 PM)

Just thinking
...about appreciation.

Recent events have made me realize, once again, how much we need to appreciate our emergency response people -- law enforcement, fire departments, ambulance and all the others who put their lives on the line in their best efforts to keep us safe.

These men and women never know what they will face when they go to work, but they are ready and willing to do whatever has to be done to protect the public. They do this without any thought of themselves and, I'm afraid, with the knowledge that they will most likely be criticized by someone no matter what they do.

They are called on to make split second, life and death decisions that most of us would be totally incapable of doing. Those decisions are later evaluated, criticized and second-guessed in the media, by the public, and through the court system by people who have a lot more information and a lot more time to decide what they think should have been done.

I have had the privilege of watching these folks work in the Mountain Area for almost 30 years, and I have always admired them, respected them, and appreciated the sacrifices they and their families make every day.

Think about what they do, how much we rely on them, and how important they are when we need them. If you get a chance, say "thank you."