Our Heroes, First Responders

It takes a special kind of person to be a first responder. You’re first on the scene and among the first to help. You put yourself in danger to save the lives of others. You do your job in the most extreme of circumstances. It takes courage, commitment, and sacrifice.

In honor of National First Responders Day, Oct. 28, we asked second and third-graders to tell us about the police, firefighters, and paramedics/EMTs in their community. Here’s what they said about our everyday heroes.

Paramedics and EMTs

“EMTs are heroes because they are outstanding drivers. EMTs know where traffic hits so they take a different route or area. Next EMTs are fast drivers. When there is a really bad emergency, they drive super-fast and people get out of the way so they can get there fast. Then EMTs are skilled. EMTs know how to get people in the ambulance and how to help people that are bleeding badly. EMTs should be recognized as heroes.”
– Amelia 

“EMTs are compassionate because they have to support someone’s loved one who is hurt. EMTs are hardworking because they save lives every day. EMTs will always be heroes.”
– Mia 

Firefighters

“Crank is the sound of a hero firefighter’s ladder. First, firefighters are heroes because they are life riskers. Firefighters go into burning fires and save people. Next, they are fast thinkers. They are such fast thinkers that they never forget anything. Then, they are skilled because they can put on their suits in a matter of seconds. They are really skilled that when someone is hurt, they will try to help and fix it. There is no hero like firefighters.”
– Keila

“Firefighters are heroes because they are outstanding drivers. Firefighters are outstanding drivers because they have to run red lights and not crash. I hope someday I will be a hero like firefighters!”
– Amelia

Police Officers

“Get down on the ground” is what our hero police officers say to bad guys. First, police officers are heroes because they are life riskers. Police officers are life riskers because they catch murderers. Next, police officers are kind-hearted. Police offices are helpful. Then, police officers are smart. Police officers are very smart, because they need to answer questions. Finally, police officers are my life heroes.“
– Lucas

“Police officers are hard workers because they work hard to save people. Police officers have to be strong to kick down doors and get people out of crashed cars. I hope to be a police office when I get older.”
– Reid

Thank you to the second and third-grade classes at Northfield Community School in Northfield, NJ, for contributing for National First Responders Day, and thank you to their teachers, Mrs. Hackett, Mrs. Heenan, Mrs. McGlynn, and Ms. Fisher. The students’ artwork and essays have been given to local first responders in appreciation of their heroic efforts.

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