During the holiday season, newspaper articles, radio greetings and organizers from many local events ask residents to be thankful for what they have and to keep those in need in mind.

But rarely is there a call to action to remember individuals who are not at home with their families during the holidays, because they are responding to the needs within the community and the nation.

Local law enforcement, fire department volunteers, nurses, doctors and other first-responders are hard at work throughout the holidays to keep Moffat County safe and well. More than 50 local men and women are hard at work overseas protecting our nation.

When many residents are enjoying turkey and all of the fixings, others are responding to car accidents, fires, suicide attempts, heart attacks and a host of other situations that don’t provide much holiday cheer.

When locals are thinking of ways to give back to the community, perhaps a simple thank you to those on-call EMS crews, volunteer advocates and power plant security guards who are spending time away from their families so that you are safe when spending time with yours.

Give thanks this season to the hundreds of local professionals who make so many personal sacrifices.