A Month of Recognition: Firefighters, Teachers, Police, and EMS
Several weeks and days in the month of May have been set aside, across the country and even the globe, to show appreciation for various groups of public servants: EMS practitioners, police officers, firefighters, and teachers. GenComm is honored to serve customers in all these industries, and we join in expressing extra thankfulness to them this month.
May 4 is International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD), when people around the world thank firefighters for their contributions, and also acknowledge the sacrifices firefighters make to ensure safety in their communities and environments—from hours volunteered and years worked to the risk of their lives. Recognized on the first Sunday in May each year, fire stations will show respect to firefighters’ dedication, commitment, and sacrifice with a “Sound Off:” the sounding of sirens for 30 seconds at noon, followed by a minute’s silence.
Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated the first full week of May, this year from May 8-12. Since 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has designated this week as a time to honor the individuals who lend their passion and skills to educating children. The event is an excellent encouragement to recognize the lasting contributions that teachers make.
The following week, May 15-19, is acknowledged as National Police Week, an occasion to give special recognition to those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. During the week, the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum in Washington D.C. holds ceremonies, including a candlelight vigil, to honor these fallen officers. A 1962 joint resolution of Congress established this effort to allow law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather in remembrance and for peer support.
Finally, each year during the third full week of May, the country recognizes National EMS Week, authorized by President Gerald Ford in 1974 to celebrate EMS practitioners. Occurring this year May 21-27, National EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the contributions of those who provide lifesaving services on the medical front lines. The celebration is also an opportunity to ensure public awareness of these contributions and to highlight achievements made by paramedics, EMTs, and the entire EMS workforce.
GenComm is humbled to supply each of these groups of critical personnel with the wireless technology that allows them to stay safe on the job and to do their work well. Please join us this month in offering additional thanks for their service.