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Every day in America, more than 4.6 million first responders stand ready to help.

They are firefighters and law enforcement officers; paramedics and 911 dispatchers; linemen and emergency medical technicians – all among the first to arrive when an emergency happens.

Whether that emergency is a natural disaster; an accident or wreck; a criminal incident; or something else all-together, these men and women are willing to put their lives at risk to help others.

They face a wide range of challenges, from severe weather to chemical emergencies to vehicle accidents and acts of terrorism.

And sometimes, they make the greatest sacrifice. In 2023, the National Firefighters Association reports that 89 firefighters died from traumatic injuries, heart attacks, strokes or aneurysms while on duty or within 24 hours of being on duty.

In 2024, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reports that 147 federal, state, county, municipal, military, tribal and campus officers died in the line of duty – a 25% increase over 2023.

Even with the obvious risk of their lives, these first responders save millions of lives each year, without seeking attention or praise.

That’s why we’ve taken time again to honor some of the first responders right here in the Miss-Lou. In this weekend’s special edition of The Democrat, we introduce you to some of the men and women who provide the help and support needed in emergencies. They are dedicated, professional and passionate about their call to service.

And we salute each of them for all they do for us and our community.

We hope you’ll join us in saying “thank you” to our first responders.