Thank You to our Local Firefighters, Police, Military and Border Patrol

Two things happened this week - Mark Hennessy, a young man I used to teach in Music Class many years ago was awarded 2011 Rensselaer County Firefighter of the Year Award.  And I re-read an article about my Town of Colonie, NY being THE Safest City in the US.

Both things made me stop and realize how grateful I am to the First Responders in our local communities.  I know Mark's heart - and I know he gives his everything to the job.  And I'm sure he's not the only one in his crew that does.  I am thankful for their willingness to put their lives on the line for us.

As for the Town of Colonie Police Department - I went to a startup meeting for a neighborhood watch group in the community a few years back, and I listened as they told the routines they did each day that kept our community safe.  They are in constant motion trying to keep things in hand.  "The Safest City in the US" doesn't just happen.

My son enlisted in the Marines a few months out of high school. He served honorably for several years before receiving a Medical Discharge.  Several of the young men I taught in those same Music Classes are also serving in the Navy, Army and Border Patrol.

I am thankful for their service, for their dedication and their commitment to our safety and well-being.  If you knew these young men (they all happen to be guys) - Oh! and one young woman 911 dispatcher! - you'd be proud of them, too.  Thank you, guys and gal.  You are my heroes.