Without blinking an eye, they put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe from Mother Nature, accidents and the bad guys out there. They are the first responders who jump into the breech with out questioning what is on the other side.
Well, we will all have an opportunity to say thank you Saturday, thanks to the efforts of Waters True Value Hardware. The store is holding its first-ever Emergency Services Preparedness Day is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its parking lot.
Sadly, most of us don’t get to see these folks unless there is a crisis at hand and they are in need. This will be a chance to shake their hands, talk to them and see these brave souls in a positive light.
Agencies to be recognized Saturday include the Great Bend Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, the Great Bend Police Department, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the Barton Community College criminal justice department.
Activities and features will include: Tours of the BCSO’s “Beast” crime-scene investigation truck; a K-9 demonstration at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; a jaws of life demonstration at noon; the fire department’s trailer used for search and rescue, and building collapses; KDWPT boat safety and mud boat; fire truck and other vehicle displays; the BCC students offering Ident-a-Kid to have children finger printed and DNA samples taken; a mock crime scene set up by the KBI using its CSI truck; and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education car and truck from the BCSO and GBPD.
 Store officials want to make this an annual event and hope to expand it to include other organizations.
Stop by, say thanks and remember just what it takes to keep us safe.
Dale Hogg