When a natural disaster or tragedy befalls your community, the memory lingers – just ask displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina, or the residents of Paradise, California.
It’s the same for first responders; major incidents stick in their minds, and they often will replay the event, wondering if they could have done more or saved more people. Even though it’s been 23 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks, it remains one of the most somber, reflective days in public safety history.
|More: The ‘anniversary effect’: Processing the pain year after year
Now, more than two decades later, first responders remain a community’s first line of defense when a new threat appears – when COVID-19 burst on the scene in the U.S. in early 2020, first responders tackled the challenge head-on.
As a community, how can you show your appreciation for those who willingly step up for those in need? We’ve compiled a list of ideas, along with action items to get the ball rolling.
|TELL US: Is your city a pioneer when it comes to supporting first responders? Share your story with an email to editor@ems1.com.
Whether it’s offering a glass of lemonade to crews fighting wildfires or offering a lunch discount, check out this list for ways you can emotionally and financially invest in your local first responders.
1. Volunteer your time
Do you have the bandwidth to learn a new skill and pick up a few shifts as a volunteer EMT or firefighter? The success of many organizations relies on the generosity of its citizens to step up for the greater good.
2. Donate or raise funds
While not everyone can spare the time to work in the industry, a monetary donation can go a long way in support of the work of public safety.
3. Offer support during incidents
When a wildfire rages or a tornado demolishes a town, it’s often an all-hands-on-deck situation. Work with local businesses to offer food, supplies and other necessities to responders working the incident.
4. Back pro-public safety legislation
One impactful way to support first responders is to advocate for laws and candidates that advance the work of first responders in your community. Local and federal resources are necessary for purchasing safety equipment or apparatus like ambulances and fire trucks, and to increase salaries.
5. Establish educational scholarships
Create a grant to help fund college or vocational opportunities for the children of first responders or to pay for the training of new volunteer members.
6. Create a public safety-focused newsletter
A simple thank you goes a long way – but you can take it even farther by regularly acknowledging the work of those in your community through a local newsletter. Here you can highlight major rescues, community outreach events and other public safety-themed information.
7. Spur public displays of support
Work with the business community to put a spotlight on local first responders and their dedication to the community through donations, public signage, discounts and other appreciative displays.
