It’s late at night, you’re in bed, a window breaks in the other room and someone has just broken into your house. Who do you call? 

At a very young age, most of us are taught three very important numbers — 911. 

We rely on those who work in police departments, ambulance services and fire stations to be there when we need them. 

I once lived in a less than desirable apartment complex. I can remember coming home late at night from work and feeling nervous about walking from my car to my door.

I would have 911 already dialed on my phone, and my finger hovered over the call button ready to press it at any moment.  

Those nights I felt fear, I depended on the people on the other side of that number to come to my rescue if I needed it. These men and women touch our lives so much, whether we realize it or not. 

At one point or another, you or someone you know has dialed that number when they needed help. It could be as simple as unlocking a door, or something as complex as administering life saving procedures. 

The term “First Responders” can be heard a lot more this time of year, all because of those same three numbers, except it’s a date and not a lifeline.

Sept. 11 is the anniversary of a day when so many of those men and women showed just how much they could be depended upon. 

So many lives were lost that day and even more were altered. 

It is important to remember those voices and rescuers on the other side of 911 are people who have lives, who have a things they enjoy doing,  who have dinner plans and loved ones to go home to. It is very important that their efforts are not taken for granted, that they are appreciated, because they don’t have to do what they do, they choose to. 

So in this letter from the editor I would like to personally thank all those who choose to do the training and put in the hours.

I’m proud to say my brother, Jesse Allen, is among those brave souls. Even after a 12-hour shift at work, he will still put on his search and rescue shirt to go help someone who is either hurt, or just lost in the woods. His hand is among those many helpful hands the world has grown to depend upon. 

Thank you Jesse and, thank you “First Responders.”