Lichtenegger: Community Heroes

Last week was Veterans Day. A day which we set aside to remember those who protect our country’s freedom from global tyranny. But really when you think about it there are similar heroes all throughout our local communities. Persons whose “job description” is to place their own lives in jeopardy in order to save ours.

These city police, county sheriffs, fire and rescue personnel wake up every morning –or evening, depending on their shift!- knowing that today their life may hang in the balance for ours. That’s amazing to me. There has to be a special mind-set or a soul-invested courage that empowers them to carry on a level of normalcy one moment and the next they are face to face with a potential life-threatening situation. Next time you at your children’s or grandchildren’s school function take a look around you and identify those you know are these community heroes. Now question yourself, “Could I do what they do?” Most of us would at least answer, “I don’t’ know”.

Most the men and women who serve their communities this way really don’t expect much in return –a paycheck, a smile and of course a “thank you so much” goes with the smile. Most of them would tell you “Your welcome, I’m just doing my job”.

Jackson Fire Department recently celebrated its 100^th anniversary by having an open house. (Use the hyperlink to view a video and pictures of the JFD in action!) During the celebration they dedicated the departments new Sutphen 75' ladder fire truck obtained through a grant. Chief Jason Mouser is responsible for securing this top-of-the-line, life-saving equipment which demonstrates their motto: Beyond the Nozzle!

The Jackson Police Department whose motto is “Dedicated to Serving and Protecting the Community of Jackson” is an Internationally Accredited Police Agency with Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) who has multiple ways in which its serves the citizens of Jackson.

And let’s not forget our county law enforcement heroes like Cape Girardeau County and Perry County Sheriffs who work equally hard to preserve public safety.

Call, write or stop in the offices of YOUR local heroes during this Thanksgiving season and say, “Thank you for all you do for us”. I bet they’ll smile!