A Tribute to First Responders
Dennis AuBuchon
September 20, 2008
This article is a tribute to those who are first responders. These dedicated individuals constantly put their lives in danger when the lives of others are in jeopardy. The event of Hurricane Ike provided only one example of the many dedicated individuals throughout our country who stand ready to assist those in need. The event of Hurricane Ike and the devastation it caused is hard to comprehend even with the media coverage. Many situations generate the need for first responders and I feel they do not always get the recognition they deserve except in times of crisis. One of the purposes of this article is to recognize all first responders and their dedication to others.
First responders are a critical part of our country and others when disaster strikes. It can be a hurricane, tornado, explosion, fire, flood or any disaster, which creates a need for first responders. It is not always easy for them to leave their families, especially when they go to areas where their lives may be in danger to save others. I applaud the dedicated efforts of those that meet the needs of others when disaster hits. While individual first responders are important, organizations involved with first responder efforts are equally important. Having the necessary individuals to meet the needs when disaster hits is important but it is equally important that the resources are efficiently utilized. These organizations provide this structure.
We never know when disaster is going to hit or where it is going to take place. The dedicated individuals who are always there in times of disaster should be recognized for their efforts not only during disaster but always. We also have a responsibility to first responders to provide the necessary financial resources and equipment that is needed in times of disaster. Many organizations who are involved with first responder efforts depend on the support of the public for their financial needs. Times of disaster such as Hurricane Ike bring the many necessities that must be available not only to rescue life but also to sustain it until conditions are back to normal. While it is true local, state and the federal governments are involved with disaster relief, the public should be as well.
There are many fine organizations supporting first responders that I could recognize but I would not be able to do them justice in this article. I applaud every one of them as they provide the necessary structure in some cases making it easier on first responders. Equally important are the professions responding to disaster. Some of the professions, but not all inclusive, are the police, firefighters and rescue personnel to name a few. These professions are always there doing their jobs even in times of crisis. We must always take time to show our appreciation for the jobs these individuals do everyday laying their lives on the line to help others. We must give them adequate pay and the equipment necessary that will enable them to do their jobs safely. They deserve nothing less.
In summary, I would like to say that there are always going to be crisis where first responders must respond. These crisis can be anything from a tornado to a hurricane. In crisis there are always going to be those individuals and organizations that will be there to help others. Each of these events creates a stressful atmosphere on those involved and first responders help those to know that someone cares. It may not always be easy to put things back to normal after a major event such as hurricane Ike but first responders are an integral part of making it happen. First responders leave their family, friends and co-workers to help those in need and yet they do it willingly with a desire to serve. We must also remember that the stress of disasters also take a toll not only on those affected by it but also on the first responders. Thanks again to all those who respond to help others when the need arises. There is no greater pleasure than to help those in need at a critical time in their lives.
I must also commend those media organizations, which provide coverage during and after a crisis such as hurricane Ike and the devastation it caused. It helps the public to grasp the magnitude of the situation and in all likelihood, helps motivate the public to contribute the necessary resources and materials needed during these periods. In the case of hurricane Ike and others like it much time will pass before areas affected will be back to a position which can be normal. With events such as hurricanes, it will cost much in terms of financial aid from state and federal resources but it is something that must be done. It is the responsibility of both state and federal governments to provide support for the necessities to rebuild areas, support individuals displaced and provide for their life sustaining needs.
First responders are a critical part of our country and others when disaster strikes. It can be a hurricane, tornado, explosion, fire, flood or any disaster, which creates a need for first responders. It is not always easy for them to leave their families, especially when they go to areas where their lives may be in danger to save others. I applaud the dedicated efforts of those that meet the needs of others when disaster hits. While individual first responders are important, organizations involved with first responder efforts are equally important. Having the necessary individuals to meet the needs when disaster hits is important but it is equally important that the resources are efficiently utilized. These organizations provide this structure.
We never know when disaster is going to hit or where it is going to take place. The dedicated individuals who are always there in times of disaster should be recognized for their efforts not only during disaster but always. We also have a responsibility to first responders to provide the necessary financial resources and equipment that is needed in times of disaster. Many organizations who are involved with first responder efforts depend on the support of the public for their financial needs. Times of disaster such as Hurricane Ike bring the many necessities that must be available not only to rescue life but also to sustain it until conditions are back to normal. While it is true local, state and the federal governments are involved with disaster relief, the public should be as well.
There are many fine organizations supporting first responders that I could recognize but I would not be able to do them justice in this article. I applaud every one of them as they provide the necessary structure in some cases making it easier on first responders. Equally important are the professions responding to disaster. Some of the professions, but not all inclusive, are the police, firefighters and rescue personnel to name a few. These professions are always there doing their jobs even in times of crisis. We must always take time to show our appreciation for the jobs these individuals do everyday laying their lives on the line to help others. We must give them adequate pay and the equipment necessary that will enable them to do their jobs safely. They deserve nothing less.
In summary, I would like to say that there are always going to be crisis where first responders must respond. These crisis can be anything from a tornado to a hurricane. In crisis there are always going to be those individuals and organizations that will be there to help others. Each of these events creates a stressful atmosphere on those involved and first responders help those to know that someone cares. It may not always be easy to put things back to normal after a major event such as hurricane Ike but first responders are an integral part of making it happen. First responders leave their family, friends and co-workers to help those in need and yet they do it willingly with a desire to serve. We must also remember that the stress of disasters also take a toll not only on those affected by it but also on the first responders. Thanks again to all those who respond to help others when the need arises. There is no greater pleasure than to help those in need at a critical time in their lives.
I must also commend those media organizations, which provide coverage during and after a crisis such as hurricane Ike and the devastation it caused. It helps the public to grasp the magnitude of the situation and in all likelihood, helps motivate the public to contribute the necessary resources and materials needed during these periods. In the case of hurricane Ike and others like it much time will pass before areas affected will be back to a position which can be normal. With events such as hurricanes, it will cost much in terms of financial aid from state and federal resources but it is something that must be done. It is the responsibility of both state and federal governments to provide support for the necessities to rebuild areas, support individuals displaced and provide for their life sustaining needs.
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