A first responder is an employee or volunteer of an emergency service who is likely to be among the first people to arrive at and assist at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident or natural disaster.

First responders to a scene must have a high level of awareness when arriving to any call.

Not every call is routine.

Every responder must be realistic about their capabilities and limitations.

The primary responsibility of every first responder is to promote safety for all. They are to coordinate and cooperate with all agencies involved.

Every emergency is different.

There must be concerns for the environment.

Are there health risks to the public? Risks for responders? Is specialized clothing needed? What about cleanup?

There are 3 million first responders in our country.

They are fire, police, rescue and 911 dispatchers providing critical services to our communities. With their families, they number approximately10 million people.

The information flowing between citizens, responders and agencies is the intelligence that builds safer communities.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our volunteer responders.

A volunteer is a special kind of person.

Many of them work long hard hours on their personal jobs. They sacrifice many after hours away from family completing necessary training for mandatory certifications — all done without compensation.

The Roanoke Valley has always looked out for its own.

When there's a need, we rally for the cause.

The events that occurred Monday shows that we do care about what has happened to our fellow man. We have been taught since small children that the Scripture teaches, "Do unto others as you we have them do unto you."