Our local heroes work tirelessly to keep our community safe for everyone. From nurses, to police officers and firefighters, these brave people work so hard for us. It is our job to show these heroes the recognition they deserve.
Whether they work behind the scenes, or around the town, these heroes all found a calling to their jobs, and a reason to help their communities.
“I wanted to protect and help people that couldn’t help themselves. And I think I modeled my whole life after looking out for the little guy or keeping people from being picked on. And I think that just followed me throughout my life,” said Deputy Sheriff John Barret.
Without these brave heroes, it would be nearly impossible to have a safe community. They work in the community, but also do so much work behind the scenes that many people do not see.
“It’s intense, it carries a lot of stress with it, but it’s great because the adrenaline, you know, it’s fast paced, and a lot of teamwork. People don’t think about teamwork, but it’s a lot of teamwork, working with different doctors and respiratory therapists, lab and pharmacy,” said Cardiac nurse Anita Kennon.
If yo have eer been sick, you have probably seen just how much work nurses and doctors have to do. They ensure you receive proper care and leave feeling well-cared-for. Without them, we could not stay healthy or safe in our everyday lives. Many of them even juggle multiple patients at one time, working through stress, exhaustion and distractions, to make sure that you get the best care.
“People come in, kind of on their deathbed, they just come in with chest pain, and then you open up the artery, and then they can walk and talk, no more chest pain. So they’re you save them. So it’s kind of nice saving somebody’s life,” said Anita Kennon
If you are in an emergency, calling the police is the safest option. They can resolve conflicts, stop road accidents, and keep the whole community safe. Oftentimes, cops can be taken for granted or viewed differently, which makes it even more important to show them the recognition they deserve.
“I find that sometimes people, when I’m in uniform, don’t know how to relate to me as a person, and I understand that because you look at somebody in an authoritarian position, and sometimes people just don’t know how to act or how to communicate with someone in that position. I wish people would understand that I’m primarily a father and a husband, and a member of the community, a member of my church,” said John Barret.
It is important that all community members recognize these heroes. Whether it is a quick thank you, or stopping to have a conversation, stopping to recognize these heroes is very important.
“It is nice people go out of their way, even during the hard times, we still got stopped on the street and said thank you, that I think felt a little bit more comforting,” said John Barret.
“It feels really good when my work is acknowledged, it makes you feel good, you know, just knowing that people realize what you did for them,” said Anita Kennon.
Having our local heroes ready to help is an amazing privilege, and these heroes deserve recognition for what they do.
Overview:
Why is it important to recognize local heroes?
How Local Heroes help our community
How to show your respect and thanks toward our local heroes
Interviews + Questions:
Nurse (Mrs.Kennon) (contacted 9/6/25) (interview 9/7/25)
How did you choose to become a nurse?
How do you feel when your work is acknowledged?
What are some things you wish people knew about your work?
How do you handle stressful situations in your work life?
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Police Officer ( Mr.Barret) (Contacted 9/4/25)(Interview 9/7/25)
What made you want to become a police officer?
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
What are some things you wish people knew about you, and what you do?
What motivates you to keep going in difficult times?
How do you handle stressful situations?
