A few weeks ago, PA Senator Bob Mensch introduced a Senate resolution designating January 1, 2016 to January 8, 2016 as "First Responder Appreciation Week" in Pennsylvania.  It was unanimously passed by the Senate.

                With the annual reorganization of all municipal governments scheduled for Monday, this is an opportune time for them to pass a resolution of their own, thanking their police, emergency medical services, volunteer fire companies and other first responders for the services they provide to the community.  In addition to the vital services each group provides, volunteer firefighters save taxpayers of each municipality more than $2 million every year.

                The reminder to recognize and appreciate our first responders can also be a notice to all that the scene of any emergency ceases to become public space during that emergency.  That is for your safety as well as that of the first responders.

                In these days of posting videos on social media and trying to be the first to report the emergency online, spectators gloss over common-sense safety issues.

                At a recent, major fire a few spectators were observed jumping up and down on large-diameter fire hoses carrying water to the fire.  It may seem like fun, but if you slip and fall on your head, emergency service providers have to stop what they're doing to take care of you.

                Recent police incidents, with very dangerous possibilities, were rife with spectators trying to ease their phones closer and closer to get the right video shot.  One even identified himself as a Montgomery County detective, but alas, when asked he wouldn't (or couldn't) produce the proper identification.  

                Getting too close to the scene of a fire or traffic accident puts you in the way of emergency personnel moving life-saving equipment around the scene.  Not only do they need to get the equipment in operation, now they have to worry about running into you or having you trip and fall, injuring yourself or causing them to trip and fall losing vital time.

                Sometimes spectators think they're helping, but if an emergency worker tells you to stand back – do it.  Having to worry about your safety in addition to dealing with the emergency at hand is a task they don't have time to do and a decision they shouldn't have to make.

                Volunteer fire police take a host of verbal abuse during road closures caused by the need to secure an emergency scene.  Folks, they are there to protect the other emergency personnel and keep the area clear in case more help is needed.  Venting your frustration at the fire police because you have to take an alternate route is only helping you to make a fool of yourself.  Remember, they are volunteers and would rather be at home with their families.  But they realize the job they do is important, and other first responders know that as well.

                People always say, "We thank our first responders all the time."  Do you?  When was the last time? 

                There's nothing wrong with making a donation to your favorite first responder group or organization.  There's nothing disgraceful about a group of elected officials publicly entering their thanks into the minutes books of their municipality. 

                If you really want to show your appreciation, stay out of their way at the scene of an emergency and don't put your life, or theirs, in danger.