In many ways, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are vastly superior to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. While it's true that they're environmentally friendly and arguably vital to stopping the damage to nature caused by carbon emissions, it's also a fact that EVs are very, very fast and comparatively much easier to maintain. This makes them superb vehicles for first responders.

With the planned switch to EVs comes some challenges, however, as these vehicles are wildly different from their predecessors in ways that first responders need to anticipate. A few companies are preparing for exactly that.

EVs are being introduced to the New York Police Department

What does a 480-horsepower all-electric police interceptor look like? It looks exactly like the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, the police interceptor version of which was presented in Apr. 2022 at the Javits Center for the New York International Auto Show.

With the advent of EVs and their colossal growth that's set to overtake sales of gasoline-powered vehicles as soon as 2025 by some estimates, the NYPD stepped up and purchased its first Tesla Model 3 EV to be used as a patrol vehicle in 2021. By the middle of Apr. 2022, New York City approved the purchase of 250 more. Now, intending to be carbon-neutral by 2050, NYC has begun an initiative to make its entire vehicle lineup completely electric by 2035 starting this year with the Mach-E GT.

Out of a variety of potential EV police interceptors, the Mach-E GT scored the highest for sheer acceleration — able to hit 60 mph from zero in 3.5 seconds — and braking. The Mach-E GT is capable of traveling 270 miles on a full charge with its 88 kWh battery pack.

GM is introducing an EV First Responder Training program

As part of GM's new EV lineup, which includes the Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV, and Chevrolet Bolt, the company is advancing a training program for first responders to introduce them to the unique challenges that EVs hold in situations involving them.

For example, unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs place much of the weight in the vehicle at the bottom. This is where the battery pack is typically located, often weighing thousands of pounds. It's not just the redistributed weight that can make rescuing the people inside a challenge, it's also the sheer amount of energy that's stored in the battery pack.

The courses combine live presentations, virtual demonstrations, videos, and discussions from experts. GM encourages both first responders and owners of EVs to take advantage of its program.

GM isn't the only company involved in training first responders

In addition to GM's efforts, Tesla maintains a dedicated website intended for first responders. Its purpose is for "helping the fire departments and first responders safely handle emergency situations involving all Tesla products." Included are "emergency response guides" and "quick response sheets," individually produced for many of their vehicles.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintains its own Emergency Response Guides compiled from over 60 manufacturers for first responders to use as reference. From newer companies such as Lucid to established brands such as Ford and Jeep, all of its guides are free to download and readily available.

The advantages of EVs make them excellent vehicles for first responders both from a performance and maintenance standpoint. Nonetheless, while these benefits are numerous, there are still some challenges to overcome before they can become mainstream for first responder units. These groups need to be aware of the hazards and mechanical differences inherent to these cars and trucks to avoid unnecessary injury. Companies such as GM and Tesla as well as the NFPA are attempting to make the switch as seamless as possible so first responders can take advantage of these new vehicles.

 

In many ways, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are vastly superior to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. While it’s true that they’re environmentally friendly and arguably vital to stopping the damage to nature caused by carbon emissions, it’s also a fact that EVs are very, very fast and comparatively much easier to maintain. This makes them superb vehicles for first responders.

With the planned switch to EVs comes some challenges, however, as these vehicles are wildly different from their predecessors in ways that first responders need to anticipate. A few companies are preparing for exactly that.

EVs are being introduced to the New York Police Department

What does a 480-horsepower all-electric police interceptor look like? It looks exactly like the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, the police interceptor version of which was presented in Apr. 2022 at the Javits Center for the New York International Auto Show.

With the advent of EVs and their colossal growth that’s set to overtake sales of gasoline-powered vehicles as soon as 2025 by some estimates, the NYPD stepped up and purchased its first Tesla Model 3 EV to be used as a patrol vehicle in 2021. By the middle of Apr. 2022, New York City approved the purchase of 250 more. Now, intending to be carbon-neutral by 2050, NYC has begun an initiative to make its entire vehicle lineup completely electric by 2035 starting this year with the Mach-E GT.

Out of a variety of potential EV police interceptors, the Mach-E GT scored the highest for sheer acceleration — able to hit 60 mph from zero in 3.5 seconds — and braking. The Mach-E GT is capable of traveling 270 miles on a full charge with its 88 kWh battery pack.

GM is introducing an EV First Responder Training program

As part of GM’s new EV lineup, which includes the Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV, and Chevrolet Bolt, the company is advancing a training program for first responders to introduce them to the unique challenges that EVs hold in situations involving them.

For example, unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs place much of the weight in the vehicle at the bottom. This is where the battery pack is typically located, often weighing thousands of pounds. It’s not just the redistributed weight that can make rescuing the people inside a challenge, it’s also the sheer amount of energy that’s stored in the battery pack.

The courses combine live presentations, virtual demonstrations, videos, and discussions from experts. GM encourages both first responders and owners of EVs to take advantage of its program.

GM isn’t the only company involved in training first responders

In addition to GM’s efforts, Tesla maintains a dedicated website intended for first responders. Its purpose is for “helping the fire departments and first responders safely handle emergency situations involving all Tesla products.” Included are “emergency response guides” and “quick response sheets,” individually produced for many of their vehicles.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintains its own Emergency Response Guides compiled from over 60 manufacturers for first responders to use as reference. From newer companies such as Lucid to established brands such as Ford and Jeep, all of its guides are free to download and readily available.

The advantages of EVs make them excellent vehicles for first responders both from a performance and maintenance standpoint. Nonetheless, while these benefits are numerous, there are still some challenges to overcome before they can become mainstream for first responder units. These groups need to be aware of the hazards and mechanical differences inherent to these cars and trucks to avoid unnecessary injury. Companies such as GM and Tesla as well as the NFPA are attempting to make the switch as seamless as possible so first responders can take advantage of these new vehicles.

First observed in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week and later broadened into 30 days and enacted into law by President Ronald Reagan Aug. 17, 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year. The month is a recognition and celebration of Hispanic people including those in the armed forces as well as first responders, as there are many unique and notable Hispanic service members, police, firefighters and paramedics all deserving of our honor. 

Staff Sgt. Henry Meza: "He's going to be a soldier."

Staff Sgt. Henry Meza, a Honduran-born member of the Iowa National Guard, had the idea from a very young age that he was destined to serve. His grandmother used to say to friends and family, "He's going to be a soldier."

Growing up in his birthplace of Siguatepeque, Honduras, which had no electricity, Meza helped out with his family's coffee business by working on a farm. He regularly hauled 100-pound bags of coffee beans on his back at the age of 10. When he was 12, he immigrated to the U.S. to join his mother in New Jersey. Having been very active in school with track, wrestling and soccer, he earned a sports scholarship to Grand View University in Iowa. In 2012, he enrolled in the Iowa National Guard.

Meza found a special place in the National Guard's Service to Citizenship program, which helps relatives of young adults in the Guard become U.S. citizens. Meza, who gained citizenship in 2013, is well aware of how arduous the process can be without assistance from initiatives like these. Speaking of the program, he says diversity makes the National Guard more capable by connecting the military branch to different cultures and walks of life. When those people see others who share the same culture, they're more inclined to join the Guard, he says.

Sergeant Diana Munoz: The first Hispanic police sergeant in Greenville, S.C.

Diana Munoz knows that when first responders answer a call from a Hispanic family, they might be wary of trusting them. But when Munoz, who was born in Colombia, South America shows up, they're immediately put at ease. 

A historic figure in Greenville, S.C., Munoz was the first Hispanic police sergeant to serve in the town's police department. As a supervisor, she's responsible for officers both in the Law Enforcement Center and when they're outside and on-duty.

Munoz hopes to one day be a police captain, though she acknowledges that she has a lot of work to do to reach that goal.

Joining Forces With the First Fully Spanish SNCO Course

New Mexico Air National Guard Master Sgt. Diana Melero-Sena participated in the first International Senior Noncommissioned Officer Course hosted completely in Spanish at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, between Oct. 4 and Dec. 8, 2021. Taught in the course were core leadership principles, ways to unite different forces and best practices meant to inspire the formation of strong professional relationships. Melero-Sena was one of two Citizen-Airmen who enrolled. The proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, she said that when she heard the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) was hosting a fully Spanish SNCO course, she knew she had to attend.

As the National Guard knows, with diversity comes strength. People of different cultures feel they have a place in the Guard because they see others sharing their culture within it. With the theme of 2022's Hispanic Heritage Month being "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation," the period reminds us that Hispanic Americans and everything they bring from their different cultures stand out as invaluable and integral parts of American society.

 

National Fire Pup Day, a holiday meant to celebrate the noble legacy of fire dogs, lands on Oct. 1 this year. In addition to this observance, the Firefighters Memorial Weekend, in which families and friends of fallen firefighters are brought together to mourn, is also recognized between Oct. 8 and 9.

The noble history of the fire dog

Fire dogs have a long and proud history of being staples of fire departments throughout the U.S. before mechanical fire engines even existed. Hundreds of years ago, when fire equipment and passengers were carried in a horse-drawn carriage, fire dogs were used to keep the horses calm as firefighters worked to put out blazes and help others when disaster struck.

According to Cheryl F. Steinmetz, historian for the Dalmatian Club of America, some of the dogs would instinctively take point in certain positions around the back or directly underneath the horse. The Dalmatian was and still is the most common breed of fire dog.

Dalmatians have been used since 1870 when the Fire Department of New York City began adopting them. Dogs of this variety are ideal for helping firefighters because of their exceptional stamina and strength as well as their apparent comfort around horses. They also make for first-rate mascots because of their distinctive black spots! They’re common companions to groups that go into schools and other places to teach fire safety.

Beginning in 1910, the Westminster Dog Show began holding a new category for fire department Dalmatians. Its first inaugural winner was Mike, a Dalmatian from New York Engine Company 8 on 51st Street. This category persisted for 30 years.

Fire dogs haven’t gone out of style

We use National Fire Pup Day to honor the fire dogs that have served fire departments everywhere for over a century.

Today, fire dogs perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Working as therapy dogs to help first responders process their experiences.
• Sniffing out causes of fires after it’s been extinguished, such as gasoline.
• Searching for people who might be concealed under rubble

Honoring fallen firefighters

In addition to celebrating National Fire Pup Day, October is also the month when the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is held. This time is set aside to honor fallen firefighters
Both new families and those who have participated before from around the U.S. join together to celebrate the lives of these fallen heroes. Special programs and public ceremonies are held to commemorate their sacrifices. Professional grief counselors are made available to speak with the bereaved on Family Day.

Those who attended previous Firefighters Memorial Weekends ceremonies at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial are crucial sources of support for the grieving. These returning families join together with new families to support each other through the grieving process.

The event is being held in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Firefighters who have lost a fellow firefighter are also welcome to attend. Volunteers can serve as Fire Service Escorts for the families of their lost friends. Acting as representatives for these individuals, many consider the experience unforgettable as they walk with the forever-grateful bereaved.

After families appear at the Memorial, they are then accompanied by their Fire Escorts and uniformed fire service personnel to perform the Walk of Honor® through the “Sea of Blue.” Representatives from the Honor Guard and Pipe Band Units also serve to help with the ceremonies as well as offer appreciation to the loved ones that have shown up to memorialize the fallen protectors.

This October, join us in the celebration of fire dogs as well as the mourning of those who have been lost in the line of duty.

In America, September 17th is known as Thank a Police Officer Day. While many American citizens may not be aware of the celebration, the day is reserved as a way to remember the brave men and women who take care of our communities with skill and devotion.

Many people really only think of the police when they are in emergency situations, but the force is also working tirelessly behind the scenes to support the people who they live and work with on top of reacting to 911 calls. While we will be sharing some standout points of reference, the police are laying their lives on the line every day and they deserve respect and recognition. Here are some highlights of their good work in the country over the past few years.

Community engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic

Since the onset of the pandemic that disrupted so much in America, the police have been a pillar of their communities. One of the most essential workers, the police force was called on by state and local authorities to step forward.

Despite the fact that the virus was the leading cause of death among the police, they persevered bravely to do the job that they were called to do. An amazing example of this can be seen in Oklahoma, where the governor enlisted the police to assist in schools that were in dire need of personnel assistance. The City of Moore Police Department law enforcement officers were serving as elementary school substitutes for a short period of time.

In Waterbury, Connecticut the chief of police created a task force to help children who are the victims of trauma — something that has increased as a result of the pandemic. Increased social isolation can make already bad situations worse, and the task force works with local schools and other community partners to help impacted children.

There are countless stories of local law enforcement officers making a massive difference in their communities every day and these were just a couple of amazing examples.

Changing response to the virus

The police force is instrumental in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. Here are some of the commitments that police departments across the country have made as listed by The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP):

• Purchasing protective gear.
• Working to supply departments with hygiene kits, towels and cell phone chargers.
• Funding professional decontamination of police facilities and equipment.
• Providing sanitizer stations.
• Securing a COVID-19 testing center for exclusive use by first responders and other essential employees.
• Installing mobile trailers equipped with cameras and license plate readers to address areas with an uptick in crime.
• Promoting compliance with public health orders.

The first responder community came together and helped each other share the burden that comes with taking care of people who were —and are still — overwhelmed by the impact of the virus. With this came an elevated focus on the mental health of our police officers. The culture surrounding the force has changed greatly. Now, there are more resources than ever to help support these strong individuals.

This September 17th, don't forget to thank police officers for all their contributions, locally and nationally. Whether that be someone in your family, or you see someone in the blue out in the community, take the time to show your appreciation for the hard work that they do every day. From laying their life on the line to helping out where their country needs it the most, they deserve to know how valuable they are.

Image: https://pictures.brafton.com/x_0_0_0_14024210_400.jpg
Sources:
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/policing-coronavirus-pandemic/
https://www.facebook.com/moorepolice/posts/297810225720317
https://www.ctinsider.com/hartford/article/CT-police-step-up-to-help-children-dealing-with-17416865.php
https://www.theiacp.org/resources/document/the-role-of-police-foundations-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
https://www.rti.org/brochures/resources-supporting-police-officer-health-well-being-during-covid-19-pandemic-and-beyond

21 years ago, the tragic attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) and the Pentagon left Americans stunned and shocked. On its anniversary, citizens take the day to commemorate heroes who acted in bravery and those who lost their lives in the senseless act of terrorism. Today, we want to share some facts to consider on this day of remembrance.

1. The World Trade Center

Before the attacks, the WTC hosted many employees who went to work every weekday. The Twin Towers normally had 50,000 workers and 40,000 additional visitors. During the attacks, over 3,000 people passed away, many of whom were first responders who arrived on the scene to save civilian lives.

2. Dangerous cleanup

The horrible terrorist attacks cost thousands of lives and resulted in dangerous wreckage that trapped even more people. The rescue crews were able to save 18 individuals from the ruins, which, by expert estimations, weighed 1.8 million pounds. The recovery process lasted nine months and ended on May 30, 2002.

3. Terrible loss of life

Most people know the attacks on the WTC resulted in the tragic loss of life, but the act of terrorism marked an awful day for another reason as well. It was the largest loss of life by a foreign attack on American soil.

4. The catalyst of change

The horrific event changed the ways that Americans saw security and safety. In fact, in 2001, 50% of Americans reported to Pew Research that they wanted to see America change in a serious way. Here are some of the biggest policy changes implemented after the attacks:

• Created new institutions like the Department of Homeland Security, Directorate of National Intelligence, and National Counterterrorism Center.
• Increased resources for intelligence programs in the US.
• Increased air travel security.
• Urged leaders to increase counterterrorism partnerships across the globe.

After the attacks, American leaders took a more serious approach to homeland security and preventing terrorism on American soil.

5. Impact on public opinion

The atrocious event shocked American citizens and completely altered public perception and opinion. The impacts of this can be seen in the increased patriotic sentiment across the country. Pew Research found that 79% of adults "displayed an American flag" in 2001. Political divides shrunk as people shared a sense of loss and tragedy, with about 60% of adults reporting that they trusted in the federal government in October of 2001. This is a high that was unseen in the previous 30 years and has not been met since.

The events of 9/11 changed the course of American history and deserve to be remembered with respect. Each year the attacks grow further away, but the memory of the day will not be forgotten. Take the time for a brief moment of respectful silence or learn more about the events to honor those who were lost.

With PTSD Awareness Day behind us – celebrated in June of each year – it's important to remember that the disorder is present year round for many active-duty military, veterans and first responders. Let's take a deeper dive into what PTSD is and some valuable resources to help alleviate the symptoms.

What is PTSD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD is "a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event." Symptoms can differ greatly from person to person and last for varying lengths of time. NIMH reports that someone can be diagnosed with the disorder if they exhibit all of these symptoms for at least one month:

• At least one re-experiencing symptom.
• At least one avoidance symptom.
• At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms.
• At least two cognition and mood symptoms.

How common is PTSD in Veterans?

While you may think that you do not know anyone who has been affected by PTSD, there is a chance that someone you know has been impacted by the disorder. In fact, 6% of the American population has been diagnosed with PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, about "12 million adults in the U.S. have PTSD during any given year."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that the number of those who have PTSD changes depending on the service era. Here are some of the most common examples:

Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF)

The OIF era began in October 2001 and the OEF era began on March 20, 2003, mainly in response to the terrorist attacks that happened on September 11, 2001. The National Library of Medicine reported that 1.9 million U.S. military members served as a part of the response operation. The VA Department also states that about 20% of those who served in these operations had been diagnosed with PTSD within a year.

Gulf War (Desert Storm)

Operation Desert Storm was the second phase of the Gulf War, according to the US Navy's data. Again, the VA department reports that 12% of those who participated in the full two-year duration of the Gulf War will be diagnosed with PTSD as a result.

Vietnam War

One of the most well-known and deadly conflicts, the Vietnam War resulted in a high number of diagnoses for its veterans. The VA Department estimates that "about 30 out of every 100 (or 30%) of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime."

Do first responders get PTSD?

Similar to active duty military members and veterans, first responders are routinely exposed to traumatic situations that could result in PTSD, among other mental health concerns. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that about 1 in 3 first responders are diagnosed with PTSD. This includes firefighters, EMTs, nurses and police officers. Due to their proximity to danger and death, the emotions and stress which they are exposed to often lead to the defined symptoms above and an active diagnosis of posttraumatic stress.

While there are many support services available within the career services sector of these professions, including mandatory therapies and time off, there are a high number of volunteer first responders who either don't quality for these services or who aren't required to attend. If you or a loved one is in a first responder profession, be sure to ask and be aware of the options available for leave of absence, time off, and therapeutic services, all of which can help catch early warning signs of the disorder and even lower the severity of symptoms. Check out the valuable resources below for more information.

Helpful resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, there are hotlines available that can help you discover your best course of action. The impacts of PTSD can be serious and should not be taken lightly. Seek professional assistance and help remove the stigma by having an open conversation with those involved. Here are some of the best resources:

SAMHSA: Call 1-800-662-HELP

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1

PTSD Foundation of America: Support groups

CopLine: (Law Enforcement Only): 1-800-267-5463

AllClear Foundation (all First Responders): Text BADGE to 741741 (crisis text line)

Americans love their pets and care for them like they're part of the family. Despite this, many people don't have a safety plan to protect their pets from a potential fire. It can be a scary emergency for anyone, but this is especially true for animals. 

What is Pet Fire Safety Day

July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day and there's no better time to prepare yourself (and your pet) for an emergency fire situation. This might not be something that has crossed your mind yet, but your fuzzy friend may benefit from having a fire plan in place. The National Fire Protection Association (NRPA) estimates that about 500,000 pets are affected annually by fires.

Use Pet Fire Safety Day as the perfect opportunity to prepare, start fireproofing your home and getting your emergency kit ready to go. Here are some of our best tips and tricks to ensure that your entire family is ready if there is a fire.

Pet fire safety tips

About 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets, so it's important to make sure your home is pet-proof and pet-friendly. Here are a few tips to make it happen:

• Keep your pets away from cooking equipment like stoves and ovens. They could accidentally create a kitchen fire.
• Use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace to prevent your pets from getting too close. NRPA recommends having a "pet-free zone of at least 3 feet" around fireplaces.
• Protect pets from smaller objects like lit candles and space heaters which can quickly cause a house fire if left unattended.
• Make sure that there are no exposed wires that a pet could chew through and create an electrical fire.

Accidental house fires can easily be created by a dog or a cat, and it's your job as their adoring owner to protect them, your home and your neighborhood from the dangers of a structural fire.

How to prepare your pet for an emergency

The truth is that, even with the best preventative measures in place, accidents and house fires still happen. This is why it's so important to have an emergency plan ready to go in case something does go wrong. First and foremost, formulate a family-wide evacuation plan in advance! The whole family should be aware of and understand the best plan of action to take if a house fire were to occur. Recalling the plan and remaining calm are key initial steps to ensuring you can focus on getting yourself, other family members, and pets out of the house in the safest way possible. If time and the situation clearly permits it, grabbing a pre-made small go-bag of pet essentials will also make things easier for days to come if you are unable to quickly return to your home.

What should you put in a pet go-bag? Keep in mind that different pets have different needs, so pack accordingly. Here are some of the top common items to include:

• At least a few days' worth of food.
• Pet-safe first aid kit (including any essential medications).
• Leash or small carrying case.

NFPA has a household evacuation kit checklist that can help you prepare to the best of your ability. As you put the kits together, be sure to store them in a convenient, well-known location near a main exit point. After the initial evacuation has happened, keep a close eye on your furry friend for any negative health signs. For example, the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) recommends watching out for these symptoms from pets:

1. Coughing. 
2. Eye irritation.
3. Running nose.
4. Reduced appetite.

In addition, AVMA also points out that if there is a nearby fire, limit your pet's outdoor activity and watch air quality. This is not just a good tip for animals but is also helpful for people as well.

As fire season falls upon us, take the time to prepare your home and pets for an emergency situation. They may not be able to say, but they'll be thankful for getting to safety alongside their human family members!

As with everything, celebrations change over time and this is especially true when it comes to how Americans spend the 4th of July. Regardless of what the commemoration looks like, Americans should take the time to honor the day that our great nation gained its independence. Let's take a look at how the holiday has changed.

Early Independence Day celebrations

While the legal separation of the original 13 colonies from Great Britain actually occurred on July 2, it took two more days for Congress to officially approve the Declaration of Independence. Early celebrations of the occasion consisted of the following:

• 1777 (one year later): 13 gunshots were fired in salute in the morning and evening. Many celebrated by having a nice dinner with toasts, music and parades, similar to what you would see today.
• 1781: Massachusetts recognized July 4 as a state holiday, becoming the first to do so.

For many centuries, people have been lighting fireworks and organizing parades for Americans to come together to recognize the day in 1776 when we finally became an independent nation. One of the oldest Independence Day celebrations occurred in Bristol, Rhode Island and is known as the Bristol Fourth of July Parade. According to their website, it all began "in 1785 when Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and a Veteran of the Revolutionary War conducted the first Patriotic Exercises."

The official holiday

In 1870, the U.S. Congress officially declared July 4th as an unpaid holiday for federal employees. It took many more years for the federal government to dub the day as a federal holiday for all American citizens, meaning that all employees must be paid for their day off. After it became a federal holiday, post offices, the DMV and court houses started to shut down for the day, regardless of what day of the week it falls on.

To commemorate the newly paid holiday, fireworks were shot off, reminiscent of the gunshots that were originally used to celebrate independence. Today, Americans still adhere to this custom, spending about $1.5 billion annually on fireworks.

Modern-day celebrations

These days, everyone celebrates the Fourth of July a little differently. Americans still love to spend time outside with friends and family, barbequing and remembering that important day so many years ago. After two years of not being able to attend parades or other social gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American people are looking forward to socializing once again. Here are some things you can expect:

• Smithsonian Folklife Festival: This national event is sponsored by the National Parks Service and a few other organizations. It has music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, film screenings and other events that showcase the variety that our nation has to offer.
• National Independence Day Parade: This parade occurs on the 4th of July and marches its way along Constitution Avenue NW from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW in Washington, DC.
• July 4th Celebrations in Greater Philadelphia: It may not come as a surprise that Philadelphia has many Independence Day activities to participate in during the holiday. This is perfect if you are near the area already or want to take advantage of the day off by visiting the historic city yourself.

Take the time to find a local celebration near you and use the opportunity to relax, enjoy yourself and remember all of the historic events that led up to our current celebrations of the 4th.

The past two years have taken its toll on the American people, but the Armed Forces have also devoted considerable time and energy to protecting communities from the effects of COVID-19. This is especially true for the National Guard, who were sent into action to support healthcare workers across the country. The National Guard provided homeland support by working in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes and testing centers. However, there are some states that are rolling back their support and returning to their regular duties. Let's take a brief look at what is happening and the implications for both active duty and civilians. 

Where are COVID-19 official missions ending?

In late March 2022, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued guidance on the reentry of Department of Defense (DoD) employees to their normal workplaces, which included the National Guard protocol. This was due to the declining impact of the COVID-19 in some areas. From here, states have made their own judgments based on local situations and requirements about whether to end or slow down their pandemic-related support.

Here are some of the states that have ended their COVID-19 pandemic missions:

Utah

According to Fox 13 News, "the Utah National Guard's COVID-19 Joint Task Force announced they will "relinquish its support" after supporting the state for two years in fighting the coronavirus." The news outlet reports that this was decided on because case counts are decreasing at a steady rate.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania National Guard ended its COVID-19 response mission in late March as well. According to Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania adjutant general, "Over the past two years, Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have risen to the challenge and demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am truly proud of their dedicated service and sacrifice during this unprecedented time." He notes that they are ready to take action if needed in the future.

Connecticut

The Connecticut National Guard officially ended its COVID-19 response mission when the Guard gave up the keys to the state commodities warehouse in New Britain to the Connecticut Department of Health in March 2022. During the two years of pandemic support, they performed more than 1,000 missions all while helping with Hurricane Isaias clean-up and attending to regular duties.

Nevada

News source KUNR reported that Nevada's COVID-19 mission was the "longest activation since World War II," and was set to end that month. Much like the rest of the nation's National Guard, the Nevada Guard not only provided intense support during the pandemic but also responded to more than 70 other missions during the two-year period.

Hawaii

In March, the Hawaii National Guard Joint Task Force returned the obligation of COVID-19 support to the state. This includes vaccinations, tests, mapping, temperature control and other responsibilities. On March 14, 2022, Mayor Michael Victorino proclaimed the day National Guard Appreciation Day in Maui County. The day is to commemorate the National Guard's servicemember's support of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More states are likely to follow suit as the pandemic continues to fluctuate. It is important to note that there are ongoing efforts in all 50 states and territories to end the effects of the virus, but now they are out of the National Guard's jurisdiction. Servicemembers and their families are able to breathe easier knowing they are no longer entering unknown scenarios on a daily basis and can return to regular activities supporting their community needs.