This week, the department swore in four new peace officers, their individual motivations captured in their words above. Joshua Peterson, Padraic Ingle, James Foster and Ethan Anderson join the ranks of a 54-member department, five of whom are women. All have pledged to uphold the U.S. and Colorado constitutions, the city of Durango’s Charter and Ordinances, and faithfully perform the duties of police officers.

We are fortunate there are people who willingly put themselves in harm’s way, especially with so much violence in the world, some of it recently targeted at police. The Durango Police deserve our support. So, too, do other first responders, including deputies in the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and Search & Rescue volunteers who, to date, have had a busy rescue- and, sadly, recovery-filled summer. Our urban and wildland firefighters and emergency medical technicians, professional and volunteer, also deserve commendation.

The list of those willing to serve on the front line is long. It includes officers of the Colorado State Patrol, Parks & Wildlife, Department of Corrections Parole, La Plata County Mounted Patrol, the National Guard, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management law enforcement and investigations staff, American Red Cross volunteers, Americorps and Southwest Conservation Corps members, among others.

Knowing this reinforces one’s faith in the human spirit of active Americans, many our friends and neighbors, seeking to be of service each and every day.

It behooves us all, from time to time, to say thanks.