Heroes in waiting: Sometimes we forget -- rescue workers face danger too

Wednesday's exercise at Lane Tree Golf Club is a reminder of a couple of facts.

First, Wayne County is lucky to have so many people -- professional and volunteer -- who are ready and waiting to help in case there is an emergency.

And second, it is a chance to remember that officers, rescue personnel and firefighters and others put their lives on the line every day just in case they are needed when emergencies happen.

All you have to do is remember the recent death of a U.S. marshal in Kinston to understand that law enforcement and rescue personnel never know what they will encounter when they answer a call.

And then there is the danger of dangling from a helicopter or plunging into murky water to save someone or to recover a victim. There is no guarantee that something won't go wrong there, either.

There are many people in this county who put on fire equipment or who respond to emergency calls who are not paid. They are volunteers who care about their neighbors and are willing to give up their time to help make sure that they are safe.

We know they are out there, but we do not always let them know how much we appreciate them until we actually need them or when they save the life of someone we love.

The same is true for those who have made protecting others their profession.

Wednesday's exercise was a chance to remember that they are all out there, waiting to serve -- and for us to say thanks.

Published in Editorials on June 16, 2011 10:48 AM