“For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.” - President John F. Kennedy

There are those individuals who live among us – those who are not afraid to run into the fire, to face the fiercest criminal, to respond to emergencies no matter the personal risk. They respond to the 911 calls; care for the injured and dying; run toward disasters; prevent crimes and catch criminals. They are first responders, and they are the dedicated men and women that make up our law enforcements agencies, our fire departments, emergency management and communications services, paramedics and the many volunteers who answer the call of duty.

After the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, there was renewed appreciation for those who risk their lives to keep our streets safe and respond to emergencies and disasters. We were reminded in tragedy that, while much of the time in our normal lives we don’t see or even have cause to think of these remarkable people, you know they are there when you need them.

On that sad, horrible day, we saw them rush into the buildings to save many lives without regard to the personal danger. We joined their families and comrades as they mourned those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It reminded us that too often we take for granted our law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency communications dispatchers and all the other first responders who assist us when disaster strikes.

President Kennedy understood how important it was to honor those devoted individuals that put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and security of our everyday lives. In 1962, Kennedy signed into law a federal holiday known as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Earlier this week, Congress passed a resolution to support the goals and ideals of this day, celebrated annually on May 15. In addition, Police Officers Week is celebrated in conjunction with the Peace Officers Memorial Day.

During this week, we pay tribute to those local, state and federal peace officers that put their lives on the line to ensure we are protected in our daily lives. Most communities celebrate with memorials in honor of those who’ve been killed or disabled in the line of duty. More than 17,000 names of law enforcement officers who’ve been killed in the line of duty are engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington.

While we must always do our best to honor those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice, we can’t forget to take the time to thank those living heroes among us – those left behind to continue the work of their fallen comrades, and that do so with valor and distinction.

During the past few weeks, my staff and I have met with several groups including the Fraternal Order of Police, the North Carolina Troopers Association and Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina to hear what issues are facing our first responders.

One of the most important issues each discussed was the need to continue federal funding to support first responders. The shortfalls in the budgets of our state and local communities continue to present concerns when it comes to staffing and equipping our first responders. I will continue to work in Washington to improve federal funding for our federal, state and local first responders through programs such as the Community-Oriented Policing Services grants, the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, Firefighter Assistance grants and the SAFER grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

This federal funding helps our state and local communities support law enforcement, fire departments and emergency management services by putting more officers on patrol, updating equipment and expanding disaster response capabilities even when local budgets are tight.

In addition, I will continue to work to secure funding for other law enforcement, emergency and disaster preparedness projects through the appropriations process. Last year, we were able to secure funding for several projects across the 8th District including a new emergency operations center in Scotland County, a pilot program to help combat gangs in Mecklenburg County, a visual intelligence tool program through Anson County which will be used to benefit surrounding counties as well, Union County emergency communications and a methamphetamine training and response program at Methodist University in Fayetteville.

Our district has amazing first responders. They are there when we need them, and I will continue to fight to make sure the assistance they need from Washington is there.

This week, please take a moment to thank one of the amazing first responders - the men and women who always answer the call for help.

Congressman Larry Kissell (D-N.C. -8) offices include Rockingham: 230 East Franklin St., Rockingham, NC 28379, Phone: 997-2070; Concord number (704) 786-1612; Fayetteville number (910) 920-2070; Washington office: 512 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; phone (202) 225-3715. Web site, kissell.house.gov.