My brother had to work his shift on Christmas day, but managed to stop by our house and drop off presents for the family. While he was there, he was toned out for an activated fire alarm at an apartment complex a couple miles away. "Wanna go?" he asked.

I was already running for my coat. As we left the driveway, Dan flipped a switch for an array of lights on the battalion chief's command car. He hit another button to activate the Opticom signal control, and, taking another corner, hit the sirens. As he talked to the dispatcher, cars pulled to the side of the road. I felt like a three-year old with a sugar-overload. However, as we approached the next turn, we heard the on-scene officer say there was "nothing showing" and "return to quarters" shortly after.

Dan shut off the lights and sirens as we made a U-turn. I asked him how he could be so calm, with lights and sirens blaring and cars scattering in his path. The cars don't always move out of the way, he said, plus he was used to responding. He had other things to think about en route. After more than 30 years of service, he said, it was just "part of the job."

It's part of the job you do every day or every third day. The truth is, an aura or halo still surrounds your work; knights in shining armor (or bunker coats), you gallop to the rescue.

Accidents and incidents don't take holidays, and it always seems the more picturesque winter holidays are the busiest.

This New Year's Eve, one community will recognize its hard-working public servants. Some young friends of mine have opted to participate in a Jaycee program called "Pizzas for Public Servants" in Valparaiso, Ind. The chairman of the program in Valpo, Jon Hildebrand of Centier Bank, told me it was offered to the Indiana Jaycees statewide and he believes four or five chapters will participate.

Between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve, a team of volunteers will deliver 25+ pizzas to the fire stations, police stations, sheriffs' offices and hospital emergency rooms. "We want the fire department, police, sheriff and emergency room workers to know we appreciate their work and dedication to the community," Hildebrand said.

Honoring those that serve others is not a bad way to spend a New Year's Eve, especially if my Mom was right. She always said what you do on New Year's Eve, you'll do for the rest of the year.

As you respond to calls this New Year's Eve and in 2004, look closely at the faces of the people you are responding to. It's just another call to you, but to someone who needs your help, you are all that matters at that moment. From an outsider's point of view, you have an awesome job.

In 2004, resolve to be healthier and safer.
Happy New Year.

Janet Wilmoth, Editor