Community inspires with passionate action

It is no secret that this has been a big week for Franklin County. In response to that, I would like to take a moment to recognize the incredibly brave people I have worked with over the past two days.

During the past six months I have lived and worked here, I have gotten to know many of the first responders in the area. This week I was able to see those people in action, and it has really opened my eyes and given me a new-found respect for them.

Like most people, I had a general idea of what they did, but during my coverage of the recent storm, I got a firsthand feel for the risks that they take.

Through conversations with individuals in the different departments – like the fire department, police department and the EMA – I learned just how dangerous their jobs are when it comes to natural disasters, like the one Franklin County is recovering from. In the midst of storms, fires and criminal activity, they put themselves out there in the middle of it all and risk everything for the greater good of the community.

I am incredibly proud to say that I know these people and have the privilege of working with them on a regular basis. It is inspiring to know the hard work these individuals put in, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the first responders and others who serve the community so tirelessly. It is because of them and their efforts to educate, warn and respond to the people of this community that we have no fatalities and very few injuries to speak of after this storm.