Appreciation for Daily Sacrifice of First Responders

One man took it upon himself to let police departments know they were appreciated in light of last year’s unrest. This man contacted one police department in every county in every state “to let you know there are people like myself who respect their law enforcement and appreciate all the work you fine folks do.”

He said he hoped his simple voicemail recording would lift the spirits of departmental teams.

It was a simple act, but one that reverberated in a world where too often all law enforcement is cast with questionable actions of a minute few. In this section, we also extend that gratitude and appreciation for what our law enforcement officers, emergency responders and fire departments do for our residents each and every day here in Gillespie County. Their jobs demand sacrifice – both on and off the clock – and they are called to action day and night.

These public servants also are our neighbors, our fellow church parishioners, our fellow parents of children in our local schools. Yet, while we comfortably go about our daily activities, their time is frequently interrupted with fire calls, wrecks and situations that can put their personal safety at risk.

Every person in this special section has made many of those sacrifices, while we sleep comfortably at night and take our daily safety for granted. We attempt to get photos of each and every person serving so people can make a personal connection and perhaps thank them when they see them on the street. Those who are not volunteers are working hard for sometimes-meager earnings, all while dealing with their own challenges of raising and supporting their families.

We ask that everyone reading this patronize the advertisers who supported this section and showed their support in this section (and those who do so in so many other ways).

To those who answer that call when the emergency beeper or siren is sounded, know that your dedication, your sacrifice and your professionalism to your calling does not go unnoticed and your service is appreciated in so many ways.

All first responders do noble work, and all deserve our respect and appreciation. Ken Estin Cooke Publisher/Editor