Lent Day 27, Monday, March 16, 2026

“Thank A First Responder”

Last Friday, a local resident sponsored three food trucks for the employees of the Town of Longboat Key. Many first responders, including the Fire Rescue and Police departments, were treated to a great meal outside. It felt like a giant picnic where most of the attendees knew each other. I saw lots of genuine smiles.

I do not personally know the person who sponsored the event, but I do know this: everyone who attended was grateful.

It would be wonderful if we could go over the top in showing our thanks to everyone who serves in our communities.  Most of us do not have the resources to provide such a banquet.  Most of us must rely on other ways to show our appreciation, like a small gift card, a handwritten note, or even a kind text message or email.  All of these deserve our thanks.

Today, we focus especially on our first responders, including Fire Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Medical Services. These men and women are working right now, staying ready around the clock in case we need them.

First responders and their families make tremendous sacrifices every day for the sake of others.  The rest of us rarely stop to think about the service they provide.  I believe anyone reading this would agree: this needs to change!

We can do more. We can do much more. Our first responders need to know they are appreciated. Like everyone else, they need to feel valued for the work they do. It is not easy work. It is not always safe. It is not always compensated the way it should be. We know this, and we can respond with gratitude.

Today’s Lenten challenge is to thank a first responder. If you see a member of one of these departments, take a moment to offer a sincere word of thanks.  They deserve it.  They’ve earned it, many times over.

“This is why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11, CEV)