TODAY IS NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDER DAY.  FIRST RESPONDERS DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO SAVE LIVES.  THEY ARE THE PEOPLE THAT RUN TOWARD A CRISIS, NOT AWAY.  ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, APPROXIMATELY 4.6 MILLION CAREER AND VOLUNTEER FIRST RESPONDERS SUPPORT THE COMMUNITIES WHERE THEY LIVE.  FIRST RESPONDERS ARE POLICE, FIRE FIGHTERS, EMS AND 9-1-1 OPERATORS.  THESE DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS ANSWER THE CALL WHEN A CRISIS ARISES, OFTEN PUTTING THEIR OWN LIVES ON THE LINE.  IF YOU SHOULD HAVE CONTACT WITH A FIRST RESPONDER TODAY, PLEASE LET THEM KNOW HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE THEM.