Today we are honoring our own brand of super hero: those who put their lives at risk or on the line each and every day, meaning our police force, firefighters, and paramedics/EMTs.  They do so much for us; it is our time to give some support and love back to them.

We had a special breakfast at one of our local churches: pancakes and sausages for them and their families to enjoy (free of charge; everybody else paid $5.00 for their food).  After that, the mayor of our fine city spoke eloquently of what our firefighters, paramedics/EMTs, and police personnel have to go through on any given day.  For them, there are no weekends or holidays off; they have to work through them, often without a word of thanks for most people.  Their job is anything but easy, as they have to deal with apprehending criminals or those who run afoul of the law, sick or suffering people, and people who are oftentimes forgotten: the homeless or destitute.

After the speeches were over, we handed out awards to certain members who performed exemplary service, over and beyond their call of duty (and well deserved, I must add).  There were many tears shed and the cameras flashed constantly; it was a powerful, emotional moment, especially when people they'd helped offered their thanks and gratitude.

The firefighters, paramedics/EMTs, and police force members were then honored with a free complimentary dinner at one of Nashville's fine eating establishments; their families were also feted.  Then the "Firefighter, Paramedic/EMT/Police Force Member of the Year" were handed out; this year's recipients were Kendall Victor Smith (Paramedic/EMT, along with George "Goose" Guzman, who tied for the prize; there were two awards for the paramedics/EMTs), Theodore Leighton (Police), and Yasif Aboud (Firefighter).  One of them were then in the running for the grand prize: a paid one week vacation to Walt Disney World for them and their family members.  Kendall Victor Smith ended up being the overall winner; he was the one who got the trip.

It seems like small potatoes compared to what they do for all of us, but we felt it was right to honor people who work tirelessly to ensure that our city is kept safe on all levels and that people's lives are saved whenever disease or injury strike (not always successful, mind you, but they do try their best).  I just hope that God will bless each and every one of our brave heroes over and beyond what they can possibly ever imagine; they certainly deserve that ... and a lot more!!