Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Appreciating Those Who Run In


Last week was a difficult week for our nation.  For our first responders, police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, each group experienced loss of a brother or sister.  Most of the people killed in the West, Texas explosion were volunteer fire fighters and EMT's.  Police officer Sean Collier was killed by the two terrorists.

It was interesting to me to see the reaction of the people from Westfield and Boston when the last terrorist was caught.  People were cheering and chanting in celebration.  As police cars drove past, people were clapping and expressing their gratitude.  At the Boston Bruins hockey game, the players gave their jerseys to the police officers present.  They gave the shirts off their backs.

All of these expressions of gratitude are great to see.  But why does it take a tragedy for our first responders to be appreciated? These men and women stand in harm's way for us every day.  They run in while others are running out.  Their spouses never know if their loved one will come home that night.  The stress of their lives is something most people just don't understand.

So let me encourage you to do two things.  First, pray for our first responders.  When you hear a siren or see flashing lights, do what I do.  Offer a prayer for their safety.  Second, take a moment when you see an officer, an EMT, or firefighter, and thank them for their service.  Offer to buy them a cup of coffee.

Blessings,
Dr. Paul