There are many ways for first responders to interact with their communities, and they're worth pursuing. It's always heartening to see a strong bond between a town or city and the brave professionals who put their lives on the line to keep people safe. Sometimes, these bonding exercises involve learning, and the emergency responders can be either the learners or the teachers.

In some cases, they'll acquire new skills that help them engage with those around them, and in other cases, they'll share their accumulated knowledge. Both types of programs are worth investigating for community leaders and department chiefs.

South Carolina: Learning sign language
A recent report from WACH revealed employees of the Irmo, South Carolina, are learning American sign language to ensure that they'll be able to better serve deaf and hearing-impaired members of the community. The importance of communication can't be understated. Program director Dave Bitters noted that teaching sign language to emergency responders may help avoid a repeat from a tragic incident earlier this year. A deaf man in North Carolina died when he was shot by police officers – his family has suggested that inability to communicate played a role in what happened.

The training has taken hold with several different departments throughout the state. Police officers in Lexington and Rock Hill, as well as Lexington County Sheriff's deputies have taken sign classes. Contact between departments and the people they serve is always critical. Without the aid of sign language, hearing deficiencies can be a huge impediment to communication.

Even when situations are more mundane, mutual understanding between civilians and first responders is at a premium. In emergency circumstances, the value of easy contact becomes extreme. This is one case where gaining knowledge beyond their basic job descriptions will help police officers, firefighters and paramedics better serve their departments.

Washington: Outreach in schools
Of course, first responders can improve their bonds with their communities by teaching as well as learning. The Highline Times recently zoomed in on interactions between police and fire personnel and students in Port of Seattle, Washington. The officers and firefighters treated kids from local high schools to demonstrations of equipment, as well as a chance to see police dogs in action. The first responders also spoke at length with the students, describing what it takes to join the force.

The departments intend to hire aggressively over the next few years as the Port of Seattle community grows. This means the bonds established in school outreach programs may encourage more high schoolers to become interns and potentially join the force. This pipeline of new talent may dry up in communities where the bond and trust between first responders and young residents isn't strong, which adds importance to the idea of running such programs.

With their years of experience in a unique and exciting field, emergency services employees are well qualified to speak engagingly to young people, and this could be a great way to establish a deeper connection to the community. Whether learning new skills or acting as the teachers, education may be key to improving first responders' role in towns across the country.

With Veterans Day right around the corner, city officials across the country are putting the final touches on celebrations to honor American service members. Of course, this happens every year during the days leading up to November 11. Literally thousands of events take place on this hallowed holiday, whose roots can be traced back to World War I. In 1918 on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Germany and Austria-Hungary agreed to a cease-fire with the Allied nations of the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This marked the unofficial end of the Great War, which would formally conclude with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles eight months later.

Soon after, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 Armistice Day in honor of the historic truce. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower renamed the occasion Veterans Day in an effort to make it applicable to service members who participated in other armed conflicts outside of World War I. Fourteen years later, Congress moved the holiday to the fourth Monday in October. However, this change left many Americans unhappy. After more than a decade of complaints, President Gerald R. Ford in 1975 signed into law new legislation that declared November 11 Veterans Day once again.

Every year on this day, citizens flood the streets to express gratitude and support for veterans, and demonstrate their passion for the country they call home. This November 11 will be no different, as most cities have planned exciting festivities to celebrate their local service members.

New York
Since the 1970s, New York City has hosted America's Parade, the single largest Veterans Day celebration in the country. Though the event got off to a shaky start and struggled to gain traction throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it has become a staple in recent years, Business Insider reported. Now, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers line the streets to look on as veterans and allies march along the parade route, which winds through Midtown Manhattan.

This year, America's Parade will once again take place. Retired Army Colonel Stephanie Dawson, who now serves as the chief operating officer of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will helm the procession, along with local Iraq War veterans Joseph Duggan Jr. and Nelson Vergara, both of whom were also first responders during the 9/11 attacks.

Los Angeles
For the first time ever, the city of Los Angeles will host its own version of America's Parade, according to the American Legion. Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs collaborated with United War Veterans Council, the organization behind the original celebration in New York, and the American Legion to put on this event.

"This parade will honor veterans from all wars and all eras, creating a sea to shining sea of Veterans Day parades throughout our great country," Stephanie Stone, chief deputy of the Los Angeles County VA, explained.

Paraders will depart from West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and continue on a one-mile route through the campus.

Seattle
Veterans in Auburn, Washington, a southern suburb of Seattle, are expected to participate in the annual Veterans Day Parade and Observance, the Seattle Times reported. Despite its modest trappings, this mile-long parade is actually one of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in the country, regularly drawing crowds numbering in the thousands. This year, the event will include more than 200 units and end with a veterans fair and showcase.

The saga of California National Guard veterans' signing bonuses has unfolded quickly and now, mere days after the story broke, the government will stop seeking repayment from veterans. The New York Times explained the change in policy from the Pentagon which, after a serious outcry from many corners, has declared that it won't pursue incentives handed out due to errors.

Tracking the story
For those unfamiliar with the tale, the news source explained that the criticism began following a Los Angeles Times expose, revealing that some California National Guard members were being pursued and asked to repay signing bonuses. The problem began a decade ago. The Department of Defense handed out bonuses with insufficient oversight during the 2000s and, while a few claims were made improperly, the vast majority of the mistaken pay-outs were simply the results of internal error, with no wrongdoing by the recipients. The question became whether the DOD should try and make guard members repay those bonuses.

As The New York Times noted, the collection program caused significant problems for many of the people targeted, with some suffering serious financial repercussions. When asked to forgive some of this debt in 2014, Congress failed to act, citing the high cost of taking the collection off the books. Following the public outcry, however, the situation has changed.

As of Wednesday, the Department of Defense has given in and called on its collectors to stop going after veterans. The DOD statement makes clear that the agency is interested in remaining on good terms with service members, and in this case, that means not pursuing the debts.

"There is no more important responsibility for the Department of Defense than keeping faith with our people," said Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, according to the Times. "That means treating them fairly and equitably, honoring their service and sacrifice, and keeping our word."

Lawmakers claim lack of knowledge
The Los Angeles Times reported that in the wake of the DOD announcement, California members of Congress have come forward to explain that they were unaware of the extent of the repayment program. Multiple lawmakers stated that it was the recent investigation that opened their eyes to how many National Guard members were being affected by the collection program.

Representatives who pushed then abandoned debt waiver legislation in 2015 explained that they gave up that effort after assurances that the Pentagon could cancel the debts without their intervention. The National Guard maintains that the 2015 attempt was abandoned due to the fact that money would have to come out of elsewhere in the budget, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The outcome of the debt collection case will no doubt come as a relief to many Guard members who served in the 2000s. The Los Angeles Times added that the California congressional delegation is now going further and hoping the Department of Defense will repay veterans who have already given back signing bonuses that they accepted in good faith. Whatever happens next, it's clear that public opinion will not tolerate vets being financially harmed when they have not willingly made errors.

There are few roles more demanding than a first responder. The police officers, firefighters and paramedics on the front lines of disasters and everyday emergencies end up facing down complex and dangerous situations on a regular basis, all to keep their communities safe. It can be easy to take these facts for granted at times, which is why it's so heartening when towns find fun ways to thank first responders for their service.

In sharp contrast to the intense demands of an emergency responder's job responsibilities, neighborhood gatherings and parties are laid-back affairs where residents can meet the people who safeguard their lives. By taking the pressure off, these events can rebuild connections between departments and civilians and just act as good-natured fun for all involved. Below are a few examples of this formula in action.

Games in Virginia
Hampton Roads, Virginia, boasts a unique event for its local first responders: an athletic competition called the Hero Games. Local news station WTKR explained that the contest stretches over three days and consists of eight different challenges. The games are designed for local firefighters, police officers and paramedics, as well as their families and retired department members. The public can also come by to compete, mingle and get to know the heroes who serve the community.

The event doubles as a charity drive. Vigilant Watch, which collects money to help local first responders, is raising funds from the games. WTKR reported that this is the first year for the competition, which could quickly become a way to bond the community together through the power of sport.

"These are the men and women who take care of us so we wanted to take care of them," the Hampton Roads Sports Commission's Lauren Bland told the news provider. "We wanted to put together a week long event for them to build morale have fun and have some competitive flare with their men and women in uniform."

Annual party in many communities
Towns and cities around the nation held more traditional gatherings Oct. 5, for National Night Out. The Eagle, a Texas newspaper, spotlighted a few of the related parties from its region, with emergency responders in towns such as Wixon Valley and College Station meeting with the public in a relaxed environment where they could enjoy an outdoor dinner and good company. Each department adds its own twist to the night, with paramedics showing off a medevac helicopter and firefighters letting kids see real fire engines up close.

The news provider added that college students on campus at Texas A&M also got into the spirit. A chat between police and pupils, as well as a meet-and-greet with the K9 unit's friendly dog, set the tone for the gathering. Creating a connection between communities and their first responders is a great step to take, whether the area in question is a university, a rural town or a crowded city. Positive relations between the groups help morale and let emergency personnel know their efforts are appreciated when they put their lives on the line.

The National Guard's place in the armed forces, with members simultaneously serving in civilian roles and standing ready to be called, creates its own unique dynamic. It's important that any discussion of relationships between military branches and the population as a whole includes guardsmen and their communities, especially employers. Keeping the bonds between military personnel and their workplaces strong is important to the men and women who serve.

Base outing for employers
The Bismarck Tribune recently highlighted an outreach program by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense initiative meant to "promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers." In this case, managers from several companies ended up touring the North Dakota National Guard Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton.

The trip was meant to thank the employers for their flexibility, because when they hire National Guard or Reserve members, they do so with the knowledge that their employees may be called up in times of crisis. According to the Bismarck Tribune, several of the individuals taking the tour were recipients of the Patriot Award. This means they have made helpful accommodations to ensure there is no conflict between work responsibilities and leaving for deployment. Leaves of absence with no negative consequences let people fully embrace their roles as both military member and civilian.

The newspaper explained that the supervisors learned where their workers go when they are on duty and what being a member of the Guard entails. They also received a helicopter ride from Grand Forks International Airport to Camp Grafton, getting a bird's-eye view of the facility. The base is primarily meant to train military engineers, and their duties include everything from construction to demolition. Maj. Raymond Ripplinger told the news provider that culinary specialists and officer candidates also receive instruction at Camp Grafton.

Award for outstanding supervisor
A Globe Gazette report from Mason City, Iowa, provided a clear example of what it takes for an employer to win a Patriot Award. In this case, Jeremiah Steinberg received the honor after ensuring Master Sgt. Robert Dean his duties at Mercy Medical Center would be fully covered while he served in the Iowa Air National Guard, and that the role would still be his upon his return. Dean explained this gave him great peace of mind, allowing him to train secure in the knowledge that he and his family would not have to worry while he searched for a new job. The news source explained that Dean's tour of duty was nine months, no small amount of time. Ensuring that it was no barrier to his staying with the medical center earned Steinberg his award.

Companies with National Guard and Reserve members among their ranks can emulate the above examples and show their workers they are welcome, even if service has to interrupt their everyday duties. The gratitude they receive will show they've done the right thing.

It's important that communities don't forget the important role first responders play in keeping their fellow citizens safe. These brave individuals are ready to risk their lives to protect and save others in times of crisis. When towns and cities come together to create tributes to their first responders, either to show support for those currently active or to honor the sacrifices of those who have passed on, it sends a valuable message that firefighters, police officers and EMTs have the support of their communities. Some examples of effective shows of support include the following:

Community bonds through mural
Large-scale art projects provide ways to show unity and bring people together, especially when many hands contribute. According to the Columbus Dispatch, one such effort is now underway in the town of Millersport, Ohio. The finished piece will be a mural carrying the imagery of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and the canvas is the wall of the Millersport Police Department. Students from the art club at Millersport High School are doing the painting themselves, based on an initial idea by Police Chief Mark Consolo.

The news provider added that the mural is set to be unveiled on the 11th, paying tribute to first responders' sacrifices on the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. A local business, the Millersport Hardware Store, made a donation of the materials the students will need to finish the mural. The club members involved voiced their enthusiasm for the project, explaining they are happy to be involved with a public piece that will remain visible for years.

Memorial to firefighter honors all first responders
The town of Hamilton, Ohio, recently dedicated a more somber tribute to the sacrifices of emergency personnel, installing a memorial flagpole in memory of firefighter Patrick Wolterman, WHIO reported. Wolterman died in December 2015 while putting out a house fire. The new monument outside Fort Hamilton Hospital will serve to honor both Wolterman and all first responders serving in the county. Local EMS Coordinator Jennifer Mason explained that the death of a colleague moved her and others to raise funds and have the flagpole installed.

"The service, flag and flagpole represent the great partnership among Fort Hamilton Hospital, City of Hamilton and Butler County first responders," Hamilton Mayor Patrick Moeller said, according to WHIO. "The flag is a fitting tribute to those heroic people, including firefighters, EMT staff, police personnel and military personnel, who live and work for a higher purpose. Firefighter Patrick Wolterman fits that heroic standard."

Many project types available
Each community has its own first responders to honor, and residents can choose from a long list of public displays when they want to show they care. The important part is to create lasting monuments that cement bonds between fire, police and EMS departments and the populations they protect. The sacrifices and risks that come with these job descriptions are deserving of recognition and thanks.

While first responders perform difficult and dangerous work every day, they may go a long time without receiving thanks or support for their efforts. Some communities, however, have made concrete plans to rally around their firefighters, police officers and EMTs, letting them know that the services they provide are invaluable.

While such celebrations can seem downright understated – after all, first responders' jobs are about saving lives – appreciation can have an immense impact. Knowing that cities and towns are behind them and support the vital work they do can buoy emergency responders' spirits and forge strong bonds between communities and departments. The following are two examples of how these kinds of events can come together.

Family Fun Night in Gulfport
The Sun Herald, a Mississippi news source, described a recent gathering for Harrison County first responders and their families. The idea came from Mark and Alicia Powell, the proprietors of a party equipment rental business. When the couple called the police to help deal with an incident in which a renter refused to return an item, it served as a reminder of how much aid police, fire and EMT personnel provide to citizens every day. The Powells decided to organize a regional event showing the community's support for its first responders.

Since the couple behind the gathering rent out inflatable party equipment for a living, it was easy to set up a party that attendees' young children could enjoy. Despite rain, the party involved playtime for the kids and free food for everyone. The Sun Herald noted that a local youth group, WINGS for Performing Arts, put on a skit, and a fitness demonstration allowed guests to try a new kind of exercise set to music. The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and local small businesses made the event possible by donating time and facilities.

Day of celebration declared in Winston County
In another example from the same state, Winston County declared a day of celebration for its first responders, according to local news station WTOK. In this case, Vowell's Market and Bennett's Do It Center decided to create a day that would highlight unity between the county and its police officers, firefighters, EMTs and sheriff's deputies. Louisville, Miss., police chief L.M. Claiborne explained why these events are so important.

"We're only as effective as a community will allow us to be and through their cooperation and working with us. I think it's important that we come out and meet them so they can put a name to the face," he told the news provider.

When communities band together to show their appreciation for fire, EMS and law enforcement personnel, they can choose from plenty of different gathering types. A meet-and-greet is one option, as is a dinner, carnival or talent-based event. The choice of agenda, however, is less important than ensuring that a forum exists for civilians and first responders to meet. Celebrating the aid these hard-working professionals give for their communities is always worthwhile.

 

It should come as no surprise to first responders and their families that stress can be a major factor in their lives. Studies show that pretty much all of these workers, whether EMTs, police officers, or firefighters, experience some levels of stress as a result of their jobs.

However, about 40 percent say that the stress is moderate or worse, and if left untreated these issues can even result in post-traumatic stress disorder. That’s particularly a risk factor for those working more than one first-responder job, such as firefighters who also work as EMTs. Fortunately, many businesses or government organizations that employ first responders also provide them with access to support groups, training, and mental health care that can help them better deal with those concerns.

What else can be done?
There are also many groups that work with first responders and veterans – another big group of PTSD sufferers – to give them the chance to disconnect from the stresses of what they’ve had to deal with through their jobs. These include counseling, but also day trips, sports leagues, and even assistance in getting a service animal trained to help people cope with stress and PTSD.

Something to talk about
Of course, it’s not always easy for people to find someone they can talk to about these issues. For that reason, even those who feel they can’t reach out to friends, family, or co-workers can call specially designed crisis hotlines that will help connect those suffering from stress with the assistance they need.

The more help first responders can get when it comes to dealing with stress, the better off they and their loved ones will be. And fortunately, all it usually takes to find a rich array of resources in this regard is reaching out.

There are many different ways individuals and communities can show their admiration and respect for the first responders who keep them safe. Firefighters, police officers and paramedics put their lives on the line in the course of their everyday duties, and it's always heartening to see efforts made to salute their service. Whether these gestures of thanks take the form of one-off events or lasting monuments, the message will come through loud and clear: First responders render valuable services to their communities, placing the common good above their own safety. Below are two tributes to these sacrifices.

Chairs serve as memorials
Memorials to fallen first responders can take a number of forms. According to Texas news station KSAT, a nonprofit in San Antonio called Saving a Hero's Place is pioneering a new type of monument:  wooden chairs. These symbolically hold spots for the fallen police officers, firefighters or paramedics they are dedicated to, ensuring the memory of those individuals lives on. The artisans behind the project explained that the finished pieces are often emotionally received by family members or departments that have lost someone and that their creative process has a powerful effect.

According to the news provider, Michael Pullen, a chaplain at the nonprofit group, believes the chairs are a powerful way to carry on the legacy of the individuals whose names are engraved on them. The materials for the chairs are donated and they are given away without cost. Instead of being mass-produced, the memorial chairs are each crafted by hand, which means they have a personal touch. Saving a Hero's Place has made more than 30 chairs so far.

"There's a lot of time to think about what the officer did," Pullen told KSAT. "Not necessarily how he died, but how he lived serving his community."

Eagle release salutes first responders
Another recent example of a unique and heartfelt salute to veterans comes from Utah, where the Southwest Wildlife Foundation plans to release a rescued eagle back into the wild in a ceremony dedicated to first responders. The organization's founder and CEO Martin Tyner explained that the conservation group hopes to highlight the bravery and dedication of emergency personnel through the symbolic act of returning the bird to the sky. He said that the natural beauty of the area where the eagle is being released, in the mountains overlooking Cedar City, Utah, should create a moving spectacle.

Tyner stated the bird in question has been in the Southwest Wildlife Foundation's care since July. Suffering from the effects of heat and almost starving, the eagle was saved by care from the group's members. Over the past month, the golden eagle regained its strength, and now it is set to become part of the tribute to first responder bravery. Tyner noted that numerous native traditions ascribe prayers and wishes to eagle feathers, making it a fitting choice for such an event.

The eagle release and chair donation projects demonstrate that organizations thinking outside of the box can show they appreciate first responders' efforts and sacrifices through unique displays.

Firefighters, police officers and EMTs regularly put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe, but the strenuous demands of their roles can take a toll. Events that create a sense of togetherness between first responders and the towns and cities they serve fulfill a valuable function, ensuring there is a strong bond between civilians and emergency personnel. These gatherings are a great chance for those in the community to let first responders know that their tireless efforts are being appreciated by the people they are keeping safe – as such, they can be valuable for morale.

Community gathering in Illinois
Champaign, Illinois news provider WCIA recently described one such gathering, designed to create a space where firefighters and police officers can mingle with the community they serve and enjoy a festive evening. Part of the National Night Out series of events, the gathering has been held in Champaign annually for several years. It is meant to foster an environment of inclusiveness, one where civilians and first responders take a stand together against crime in the community while relaxing and having dinner.

Neighborhood Association of Beardsley Park member Christine Bailey told WCIA that the events are always peaceful and thoroughly enjoyed by the participants. The local citizens get to spend time chatting with members of the fire and police departments, who in turn get to introduce themselves to those they serve on a daily basis.

Neighborhood Services' John Ruffin elaborated that the symbolism of the event involves the whole community taking a stand against crime. Individuals come out to mingle and support the efforts of first responders to keep the neighborhoods safe. This is a valuable connection, and one that can help prevent the fraying of ties between emergency personnel and the towns and cities they protect.

WCIA added that in Central Illinois alone, there are multiple other towns taking part in the National Night Out program. Decatur and other, smaller towns have organized gatherings along similar lines, ensuring that first responders in those communities have close and cordial connections to the public. Efforts to keep people happy and unified with emergency personnel may prove valuable for all involved.

Dining and dancing in Michigan
Another evening event for the benefit of fire firefighters, police and EMTs was recently announced in Michigan, via local news provider the Record & Clarion. This particular gathering, the Gladwin County Emergency Responders Appreciation Dinner and Dance is designed around the theme of free food and dancing. The event will also have a raffle that awards donated prizes to first responders who attend, as another way to show esteem.

The news provider explained that the community wants to show it values the contributions of first responders, as well as the support provided by their spouses, who are also invited. This Gladwin County event is new, being held this year for the first time. This demonstrates that new ideas for appreciation and community engagement events are popping up all the time, and there are multiple ways to ensure there is a strong feeling of connection between emergency responders and civilians.