OCEA recognizes National First Responders Day

National First Responders Day honors dispatchers, public safety and public health professionals on the frontlines. Photos: OCEA and OCFA.

Dear OCEA members,

Last year, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating October 28 as National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act selflessly when called on in emergency situations, often putting their lives on the line.

National First Responders Day has a special meaning in Orange County this week with hundreds of dispatchers, firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement, and public health professionals successfully battling two major wildfires, the Silverado Fire and the Blue Ridge Fire.

First responders dedicate their lives to saving the lives of others. They are the people who run toward a crisis while the rest of us are forced to flee. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders support the communities they live in. These dedicated professionals answer the call each and every time a crisis arises.

The day also pays tribute to the fallen first responders. According to the CDC, 97 firefighters and 155 police officers die each year in the line of duty. We are praying for the recovery of two firefighters injured battling the Silverado Fire and for their families who know the price they paid for their dedication to the job.

We can do more than pass resolutions and express our thanks. National First Responders Day is also a call to action. It is urgent that we as citizens press our elected representatives, regardless of the outcome of the elections, to pass a federal COVID-19 relief package. Those funds are the only way to ensure local agencies can continue to field the first responders who have, once again, proven their valor and professionalism.

OCEA is proud to represent these frontline workers and also the public health nurses, social workers and other dedicated public servants who have stood strong delivering essential services during the pandemic of 2020.

Let’s honor these first responders with deeds, not words.

In Solidarity,

Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager

Publication Date: October 28, 2020