Author: Mike Causey, Insurance Commissioner
First responders – those men and women who serve us through emergency medical services, firefighters and law enforcement officers and respond when beckoned – are critically important to the insurance industry and to our health and well-being. While their response times and quality of service is a factor in insurance rates, their effect on preserving our lives and property are of even greater importance.
Americans got a new respect for first responders 24 years ago when they saw firefighters and rescuers rush into the World Trade Center following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As building occupants frantically fled, first responders ran in to save lives.
Today, first responders continue to have that selfless zest for service. I’m always happy when I can find ways to honor and support. I was recently given a publication that honored first responders and provided a few tips on how we can show our support for first responders. I thought I’d share these tips with you:
- Say “thanks” to a first responder. You can do this in person or on a social media post.
- Send a handwritten note expressing your gratitude to a local department or agency. Parents and teachers can help kids create handmade thank-you cards to deliver to first responders.
- Have breakfast or lunch delivered to a local department or agency. You can enlist neighbors or co-workers to help finance this gesture.
- Consider making a donation to a local fire, EMS or police department, or to an organization that supports first responders and their families. Many fire departments, especially rural or small-town departments, rely on volunteers and often operate on shoestring budgets. Even a small donation can help departments buy necessary equipment, not to mention the boost in morale it will give to firefighters.
- If you own a business, consider offering a courtesy discount for first responders.
Most of these suggestions cost little or nothing and require minimal effort. There are also some more involved ways you can support first responders. One way is to volunteer your services. Even if you don’t feel up to becoming a volunteer firefighter, offering to pitch in with a fund-raising event or supporting auxiliary organizations that assist first responders can help.
First responders play a vital role in protecting communities across North Carolina. They work hard to get the training necessary to help keep us safe. I hope you’ll join me in finding meaningful ways to let these dedicated men and women know that you appreciate their sacrifice.