Giving Thanks

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ: This Thanksgiving, I'd like to take a moment to thank the men and women who voluntarily step forward to protect and serve others here at home and abroad.

Police officers, firefighters, EMS professionals and members of our military accept responsibilities most of us will never fully understand. Many see that service as both an honor and a duty.

We often see the best and worst moments of their jobs played across the media, but what we don't see nearly as often are the countless ordinary moments when their presence, preparation and actions quietly make someone's life better.

Sometimes the Best Work Is the Work We Never See

We don't celebrate the crimes that never happen.

We don't know how many situations ended quietly because an officer was present, observant or simply in the right place at the right time.

We sleep easier because there are men and women patrolling our communities while many of us are asleep.

Remember that the next time you see those lights in your rearview mirror.

Thank the Firefighters Who Are Ready Before We Need Them

We don't celebrate the small fires that never become deadly infernos destroying lives and property.

We don't often think about the preparation, training and readiness required to respond when something does go wrong.

We rest easier because firefighters are prepared to mobilize day and night.

Remember that the next time you're waving a dishcloth under your smoke detector.

Thank the EMS Professionals Who Answer the Call

We don't celebrate every life saved by highly trained EMS professionals.

Most of us will never know about the thousands of moments when someone arrived frightened, injured or desperately ill and another person knew what to do.

We rest easier knowing these men and women are there for us and for the people we love.

Remember that the next time you're pulling over to let an ambulance go by.

Thank Those Who Serve Away From Home

We also don't always see the sacrifices made by military service members who spend time away from their families, sometimes putting themselves in harm's way while serving far from home.

Their families sacrifice too.

Remember that the next time you meet a service member or a family carrying the burden of that service with them.

Service Requires Responsibility

Most of us occasionally encounter difficult people in our jobs.

But we're typically not responsible for that person's safety at the same time.

When a police officer, firefighter, paramedic or service member encounters someone frightened, angry, confused or simply ornery, they may still have a responsibility to help protect that person while also protecting themselves and everyone else around them.

That's a lot of responsibility.

And most of it will never make the evening news.

Gratitude Shouldn't Be Limited to Thanksgiving

So if you know someone who serves in one of these capacities, thank them this holiday season.

But while you're at it, thank everyone else around you too.

Teachers. Coaches. Parents. Friends. Neighbors. Mentors. Coworkers. The people who challenged you, supported you, taught you or simply showed up when you needed them.

Because chances are, they've all had some input on who you are today.

And that's something worth giving thanks for.