October 28 is National First Responders Day, a day serving to honor the brave workers who risk their lives to assist people in emergencies. First responders can include paramedics, EMTS, firefighters, 911 operators, and police officers. This holiday originated from the death of a 26-year-old police officer, Sean Collier, who was murdered during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Following his death, Collier’s brother, Andrew, began advocating for the making of a national day to recognize first responders. In 2017, Congress officially designated October 28 for this purpose.

Brad Edmondson, a former Mississippi State Trooper of ten years and a current Captain of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation shares his experience as a first responder. When asked what his favorite aspect of being in that field was, he says: “My favorite thing about being a first responder [was] the ability to be involved in helping others. I also [helped] victims of crime, storms, or other tragedies [and was] able to be the person to help right a wrong or help in a disaster.”

When asked what the most challenging thing about being a first responder is, he states, “The thing I find most difficult… is having to deal with and see people in their worst moments–the looks of terror, the shouts of despair, and the moments of realization when families realize the loss of a loved one.”

For many first responders, their jobs often lead to sacrificing their lives for the well-being of other people. It is essential to look upon this day with respect for these courageous workers, who spend every day looking out for those in dire situations.