In honor of National First Responders Day, we would like to recognize our TAPD and ARFF teams for their dedication to saving lives and helping our community in every way possible.

First responders are the people who run toward a crisis, prepared and ready to help. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders support the communities where they live. They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and 911 operators. These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line.

Serving as a national day of gratitude, we pay tribute to their endless hours and around-the-clock service provided to their communities. As one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, the day also pays tribute to the fallen first responders. According to the CDC, numerous firefighters and police officers die yearly in the line of duty. Often, the very people saving lives are our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family members.