First responders in Darien, Connecticut, told The Darien Times that many members of their community were victims of domestic violence. The local firefighters, emergency medical personnel and police officers bonded together to raise awareness of the issue and raise money for victim services provided by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. The event is called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. On Oct. 3, the first responders will don bright red high heels and join the civilians participating in the Darien Walk-a-thon. Many of the first responders are working to develop sponsorships for their walk, the proceeds of which will also go to services for domestic violence victims.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes campaign was founded in 2001 as a way to encourage men to take action in the fight against domestic violence. According to the website, the organization became a "world-wide movement with tens of thousands of men raising millions of dollars for local rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other sexualized violence education, prevention and remediation programs."
The Darien first responders have not yet announced a fundraising goal, but The Darien Times wrote that donations can be made in either cash or check, with checks being made out to "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes 06820."
It has been 10 years since Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast, destroying homes and uprooting lives. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the military and first responders worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the debris and help others clean up the wreckage. Master Sgt. Michael Maroney of the U.S. Air Force was one of these dedicated individuals. Maroney and his team executed the rescue of a then 3-year-old girl during a dangerous part of the storm.
After the successful rescue, Maroney was photographed receiving a thankful embrace from the little girl. Ever since then, Maroney has been attempting to reunite with the little girl in question. The Huffington Post reported that he decided to put social media to work for him by using the hashtag #FindKatrinaGirl. The Internet pulled together and recently put Maroney in touch with the now 13-year-old LeShay Brown.
"I can't wait to meet her to tell her how important she is," Maroney told People magazine.
Maroney saidBrown's embrace was a light in the dark time that was Katrina. Her embrace reminded him why he was there. Brown and her family currently live in San Antonio, Texas, but The Huffington Post wrote that the pair have plans to reunite sometime in September.
For the fourth year in a row, the city of Lamar, Colorado, will host the Tri-State 9/11 Tribute. The three-day event is a celebration of veterans and first responders and a time to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This year's tribute is scheduled to begin on Sept. 11 at 7:30 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony at the local library. Other activities during the event include a parade, presentations from veterans and much more.
According to 911families.org, live bands will play on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The next morning, the festivities will begin with a parade that will end at the fairgrounds. The Pueblo Chieftain reported that the previous year's parade lasted for an hour and was so large that the Colorado Department of Transportation asked the event leaders to move it from Main Street to the state highway. There, firefighters, veterans, active duty military personnel, police officers and other first responders are invited to enjoy a free barbecue. At 1:00 p.m., there will be a flag retiring ceremony before the 9/11 Memorial ceremony begins an hour later.
The events will conclude with a patriotic concert on the evening of Sept. 13.
At the end of a tough day, the best thing to do is leave the job behind and unwind. Taking at least a half-hour to decompress and release stress can help you reset for the next day. According to The Huffington Post, it can also prevent you from developing heart disease, improve your immunity and may help prevent depression. There are plenty of ways for military servicemembers and first responders to relax at the end of the day, and one of the most effective methods is listening to music. Below are 10 songs to help you shake off the stress of the day.
1. 'Sunday Morning' by Maroon 5
This soothing ballad will have you swaying as you kick back on the couch. No matter what day of the week it is, Maroon 5's 2004 hit makes it feel as relaxing as Sunday morning.
2. 'Wake Me Up' by Aloe Blacc
It does not matter if you prefer the acoustic version or the remix. This song's folksy feel will calm you down in no time.
3. 'Free Fallin'' by Tom Petty
Listening to Tom Petty is always a good decision, but cranking this song in your car during rush hour after a long day can be the perfect remedy for work-related stress. The easygoing beat and guitar strumming accompanied by Petty's cry that he's free will release you from whatever negative emotions have followed you from work.
4. 'Ho Hey' by The Lumineers
This tinny-sounding alt song has a calming effect almost as soon as the first lines are sung. The best part is that The Lumineers have made it so that it sounds fresh every time you listen. You can return to "Ho Hey" as often as you like without tiring of it.
5. 'Brown Eyed Girl' by Van Morrison
Van Morrison topped the charts with this tropical-sounding ditty back in 1967, but the song's effect has never changed. It is hard not to slip into a chilled-out mindset when you sing, "Sha la la la."
6. 'Island in the Sun' by Weezer
When the first kicks of the drum begin, you know you are about to drift away to Weezer's beachy hit. The relaxing tempo and lulling bass guitar will have you mentally sailing away to your own stress-free island in the sun.
7. 'Tiny Dancer' by Elton John
When John plays the piano, it is like a signal to the brain to shut up and listen. Turn on "Tiny Dancer" when you want to be whisked away by charming melodies and soothing piano riffs.
8. 'Knee Deep' by Zac Brown Band
This is another island escape song, but Zac Brown Band adds a little country charm. After a few moments listening to this song, you will conjure up calming images of floating worry-free on the ocean.
9. 'Let It Be' by The Beatles
For days when nothing seems to go your way, The Beatles are there for you with this unforgettable song. The almost spiritual-sounding organ and Paul McCartney's soulful voice will absolve you of your troubles. After all, if there is nothing you can do about a bad day, it is best just to let it be and move on.
10. 'Landslide' by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks' hauntingly beautiful voice is enough to steal your cares away, but the lyrics of "Landslide" speak to the most human parts of us. This song is perfect for self-reflection and meditation. The violins in the song will soothe you as the softly strumming guitar robs you of your worries.
While there are many activities great for relaxing after a tough day on the job, there is just something about kicking back with your favorite songs that takes away all your troubles. The songs above are just a few of the most relaxing songs available. The next time you have a stressful day, consider turning some of them on to see if they soothe you.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, otherwise known as JPL, is responsible for creating some of the world's most important technologies. Most recently, the JPL team has been working on an artificial intelligence device called AUDREY. According to FCW, the device, formally recognized as Assistant for Understanding Data through Reasoning, Extraction, and sYnthesis, was designed to filter through copious amounts of information and data to "achieve situational awareness."
AUDREY is a cloud-based software that is compatible with most personal computers. It is capable of using known data to conduct research to draw certain conclusions like the human brain, thus making it qualified to be called artificial intelligence. Recently, JPL has begun to loan the AUDREY technology to first responders to improve their effectiveness.
FCW stated that firefighters using AUDREY would not only be able to know where a fire broke out faster than before, but also who lived in the area and the hazards they may encounter along the way. Police stations utilizing the AI tech may have an easier time locating criminals, as AUDREY would have access to criminal databases, facial recognition software and traffic cameras.
AUDREY presents an interesting potential for the future of first responder technologies, but there are still many issues to work out.
Firefighters, police officers and emergency service workers serve the community year-round by laying their lives on the line to protect others. During the month of September, several of Florida's biggest attractions have gotten together to offer free admission to first responders as a show of gratitude. Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando are two of the main parks inviting first responders from Florida to come and enjoy a day for free.
Not only are the parks granting free passes to these community heroes, but they are also giving them the option to purchase up to four discounted tickets for friends and family members.
Jim Dean, the president of Busch Gardens Tampa, told NBC Miami, "This special offer is our way to show our support and appreciation for the commitment and dedication of Florida's first responders."
President of SeaWorld Orlando Donnie Mills told News 10 that he hoped the first responders would be able to come to the parks to relax and spend time with their families.
To participate in the offer, first responders must register on the parks' websites using the ID.me verification system. Other attractions offering free admission include LEGOLAND, Madame Tussaud's and the Orlando Eye.
A number of wildfires are currently tearing through the West Coast. According to The Guardian, there are 22 wildfires burning over 100,000 acres across the region. These fires have not only devastated property and nature, but they have claimed the lives of several of the firefighters attempting to combat them. When one boy from Oregon found out about this, he decided to help in the only way he knew how.
Abay Milner, a 6-year-old from the Portland area, wanted to show gratitude for the firefighters who gave their lives. Abay took his allowance, which added up to just over $20, and placed it in a memory box. On the box, Abay left a message that said the money was for the fallen firefighters and for firefighters who risk their lives to save others. The box was then given to local firefighters who were completely overwhelmed by the boy's selflessness and gratitude for their service.
The firefighters donated Abay's gift to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, whose mission is to pay respect to firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty by supporting their loved ones and working with the community to prevent further fires.
When a three-alarm fire tore through Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 6, local firefighters came to the rescue of many beloved local businesses. One such business was a restaurant called Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar. The barbecue and seafood joint has been a local favorite for years, which made it even more meaningful that the firefighters saved the building. The owners were so grateful to the first responders for saving the restaurant that on Aug. 31, they invited all firefighters to dine at Doc Crow's for a special evening.
Firefighters from Louisville and the surrounding areas were treated to a free meal. In addition to the complementary meal, the restaurant is donating 10 percent of the profit from the day to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the firefighters' names.
"We felt very honored that they wanted to take the time and dedicate this day, not just to providing a meal to the firefighters, but also raising funds for a great charity," said Louisville fire captain Salvador Melendez.
The owners of Doc Crow's hope their gestures convey the gratitude they felt for the firefighters' service to the community.
Becoming a police officer is truly an honor. It takes dedication and bravery, especially during your first months on the job. Use this time wisely and you could set the baseline for a very successful career. Below are some common mistakes rookie police officers make and advice on how to avoid them.
1. Not asking questions
No one goes into their first day of work and knows everything. It is unwise to make guesses in an attempt to impress your superiors. This can lead to dangerous mistakes later on. You should not be embarrassed to ask questions to help yourself learn procedure and hierarchy. Your fellow officers will likely be happy to help you learn the ropes early on.
2. Displaying cockiness
You may feel a certain amount of pride in your new position, and that is good. However, do not go overboard with it. Try to remain humble in your position. If you act as though you know everything and are better than your fellow officers, you could damage the crucial bond between members of a police unit.
3. Going it alone
There is no doubt that the first few months of police service are challenging. Trying to navigate them alone can lead you to burn out or turn bitter toward the job. During your Field Training and Evaluation Program, you are expected to learn and seek guidance from fellow officers. This is the perfect opportunity to find a mentor in your unit. He or she can be your partner or a senior officer. This individual can provide you with support and advice as you traverse the early stages of your law enforcement career. He or she can also help you through your first difficult experiences.
4. Not respecting superiors
Officers who have put in more years than you have experienced a lot on the job. They understand its workings and may have witnessed some difficult things. If you come in without respect for their service or for the job, you are unlikely to win their favor and support. Keep your uniform cleaned and pressed, be on time and be willing to listen.
5. Being too hard on yourself
It is inevitable that you will make mistakes in the beginning. The only way you are letting anyone down is by not allowing yourself to move past your mistakes. Acknowledge them, learn from them and then move past them.
6. Holding yourself back
While you should remain humble and respectful, it does not mean you should prohibit yourself from displaying your full potential. If you know the answer, speak up. If you are able to make the arrest, do it. Your superiors will likely appreciate your capabilities, but you will never know if you hold yourself back.
You earned the right to wear the badge of a police officer. That is no small accomplishment and one you should be proud of. However, rookie officers can sometimes make mistakes that will hinder their career. Avoid the common ones listed above to ensure that your first few months on the job set the precedent for your success.
As a probationary firefighter, it is your time to prove yourself and find your place on your new team. It is a hectic six- to eight-month period when you will be pushed to your limits, but you may also discover a new family in your stationmates. AFBA has compiled some helpful suggestions to help you make the most of your probationary period.
1. Show up early, stay late
It demonstrates dedication to the job and respect for your co-workers when you show up early for your shift. Fire Rescue 1 recommended arriving at least 30 minutes early to allow yourself time to ask questions about the prior shift and gear up. You should also be one of the last in your shift to leave. Assist with shift change or help out around the station. Show that you are not just there to punch in and punch out.
2. Find a mentor
This is one of the most important suggestions for a probationary firefighter. A mentor will help guide you through any difficulties you may have during your transition period because he or she has been in your position. Aligning yourself with someone respected in the station can put you in a successful position down the road.
3. Take pride in the job
Being a firefighter is an honor. If you treat it as a means to a paycheck, you are unlikely to make many friends or move up in your crew. Respect your work and honor your career choice. Remember that there are many who want to wear the badge, and you have been given the opportunity.
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions
It is better to ask a question and know how to do something rather than guessing and getting it wrong. Firefighting is not a profession with a large margin for error. It is better to get clarification on things you are unsure about than to make and repeat mistakes.
5. Stay mentally and physically sharp
Fighting fires is a taxing job. You will need to keep yourself healthy and mentally sound to keep up with the daily demands. Establish a workout routine and find methods to help you relax at the end of the day.
Congratulations on pursuing a career as a firefighter. The probationary period may be difficult, but the rewards of the job make it all worth it. Hopefully, AFBA's tips from above will help make your transition a little easier.