Every day firefighters put their lives on the line to save people and property. Today, May 4th, is International Firefighters Day - a day to show our appreciation for their extraordinary commitment, exceptional courage and selflessness.
Did you know that 72% of firefighters are volunteers with 70% or more of fire departments staffed 100% by volunteers? If putting their lives on the line wasn't enough, many of these brave men and women are also juggling other jobs and commitments to their families.
In total, over 1.1 million firefighters protect us here in the United States. And, each year, they fight over 1.6 million reported fires. Unfortunately, over 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year.
I’ve personally always have been in awe of firefighters. Historically, our family would make Christmas cookies and drop them off to our local fire department with a “thank you for your service”. Once Sonim started to partner with the fire service, my appreciation deepened. As a result, I started to notice firefighters more than before. I’d spot them in the grocery store, at the coffee shop or more recently at a little league baseball game where the firefighter was the opposing coach.
So, how can we thank these incredible heroes? Here are a few ideas you can put in action for International Firefighters Day or any day.
A Simple Thank You
If you see firefighters in uniform, walk up and thank them for keeping you and your community safe.
Instead of the standard “thank you for your service”, try some of these more thoughtful options:
- Thank you for all you do, for the sacrifices you make to defend us.
- I will always feel greatly indebted to you for your willingness to serve and protect us.
- I want to give you my gratitude for your willingness to sign on the line.
- Thank you for being willing to sign on the line to do this job, not sure I could do that.
- Thank you for being willing to do this job that brings with it everything that it does.
Thank You Card or Letter
When is the last time you received a card or letter? And how did it make you feel?
These days, many people don't take the time to write letters. A physical letter thanking firefighters for their service will be a permanent and heartfelt gesture they won't soon forget.
Or, take it a step further and organize your friends, co-workers, neighborhood, or child's class to create and deliver a thank-you card to your local fire station.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
One of the best ways to thank a firefighter is by making their job easier, so they can focus their time on saving lives. Little things like getting out of the way and pulling your car to the right when you hear a siren or see a fire truck with its lights on make a big difference. Seconds matter.
Minimize your risk of fires—install smoke detectors, keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, don't overload power plugs, clear brush from around your house, and don't flick your cigarette butts.
To reiterate, there are over 1.6 million fires reported each year in the US. Less fires means less firefighter injuries and deaths. They have our backs - let's have theirs.
Give Back
Donate to local firefighter benefits and causes.
A gift to one of these causes can make a material difference in the lives of first responders and the family members.
What if you can't afford a donation? There are other ways to help charities, including organizing or volunteering at an event.
Bring Them A Meal
Firefighters often spend more time living at the firehouse than their own home. Their schedules are stressful and irregular. And they miss the comforts of home.
Something as simple as delivering a home-cooked meal will make their day. Keep in mind that the alarm can sound at any time, so meals that can be easily reheated are best.
The Gift Of Relaxation
Customize a gift basket for your local fire department. Firefighters will love getting items that give them a chance to relax and unwind with their loved ones when they're off-duty.
For example, you could go around to local businesses like restaurants, movie theaters and spas, and get them to contribute gift cards.
Be sure to take these gifts over yourself and say a verbal thanks as well.
While one day can't begin to show the magnitude of our gratitude for these heroes, any of these gestures are guaranteed to warm their hearts and remind them why they took on such a selfless, difficult job.
