In My City: With All That’s Wrong in the World, Let’s Not Forget What’s Right, with Gratitude…
Snow Day Reflections for the Public Servants Who Are Always “On Duty”
Missy Crutchfield
Gandhi’s Be Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Human Rights Activist
Just A Thought And Perhaps More Importantly… My Gratitude…
Yesterday I was reflecting with admiration on the work that our past leaders and administrators did in bringing on great people who will continue in their jobs protecting our city, even as we have left and moved on… I speak primarily of our Police, Fire and Public Works chiefs, and those following in their footsteps… This one is for former Police Chief Bobby Dodd, Fire Chief Randy Parker, Public Works Administrator Steve Leach (Lee Norris is still with the city, and I am thankful), and all those who have been trained to the highest standards under them… This is for them and of course, for my then-boss, former Chattanooga Mayor, Ron Littlefield. Thank you… This is Chattanooga, TN, but it could be any city…
It crossed my mind yesterday, driving home… Looking at our magical, beautiful city of snow… Thinking how wonderful it will be for so many to be at home with family, nestled in safe and sound… And, then I noticed one, two, three… and many more trucks and service vehicles entering the road and driving by… These people were not on their way home. They would not be home for some time now. They were called to duty.
So many of us go on with our daily lives and jobs without noticing the great work of our public servants—and during these lovely but crazy weather times—this is dedicated mostly to our Fire and Police and Public Works employees.
As I was on my way home yesterday afternoon, ready to be locked-in the house for at least a day, I noticed all the trucks coming out to make sure our streets are safe from danger and our communities are at reduced risk. When we rush home for relief from inclement weather and worse, these brave men and women rush out to keep us safe.
These days are challenging and we must always rise to task ourselves and others to take the highest road. At times, some fall short of this—in both public and private sectors—HOWEVER, when we are in trouble we call on them and we expect them to come to the rescue—and by and large, they do. Let us not forget when we protest and point out wrongs and corruption (as we did in Ferguson, NYC, and other places) that most of these workers are our everyday heroes—courageous men and women risking lives every day for our safety and for safety in our community. Thank someone today who takes care of your community and your family. And don’t forget to thank the brave ones who truly come to public service from a humble spirit of service and purpose. I will continue to bring to light all injustices I find, but I will also bring notice to the blessed souls who are truly in this life, world, and work with hearts full of duty and purpose, ready to be the change in our cities and communities everyday… Blessings…
