By Ken Robinson
Watching a garage fully involved in fire from the perspective of a TV helicopter the other day I saw something familiar but which many of us take for granted. It was the sight of a firefighter moving purposefully up to the face of the garage with a fire hose to douse the flames. It looked like he was within fifteen feet or so of a fire that was terrifyingly big and hot. Behind him was another firefighter helping manage the snaking hose.

While this scene took place in another nearby community, it has been repeated in various degrees in our own town many times. What struck me about this particular incident was the determination and grace with which the firefighter approached an extremely dangerous situation as part of his everyday work. We forget, I think, about the peril in this work. Same goes for police officers and highway workers who leap into the breach on our behalf when danger is present.

I understand there are deep levels of training involved for many of these public servants--and that is what they are. They have chosen to step into their roles on our behalf and to put themselves in danger so that we may be protected. The cop who approaches a potentially life-threatening situation, the snowplow driver who clear the roads, the flag person who stands in all kinds of weather to direct us safely; these people might have chosen a different life. But they are on the job so that we do not have to do what they do, but doing often dangerous work that must be done.

Like those who serve in the military, they represent all of us. We think they deserve our praise and respect.

They probably don't hear it as often as they should. A note, a holiday card or even an email expressing thanks for their selflessness would make them (and you) feel better.

Ken Robinson
Managing Editor
Robinson Newspapers