Be safe

Police officers, deputies, fire fighters, EMTs and other public safety workers have difficult and demanding jobs.

From preventing crime and accidents, to saving people from their mistakes, they are on the front lines during the whole time. The spotlight of the public and the media are just part of their normal day.

Law enforcement, fire fighters and EMTs have changing work schedules, endure an array of stresses and must maintain emotional control at all times.

They often see the worst parts of our society, such as those who disregard laws and career criminals.

At the same time, the public demanding the most can be the most unforgiving and unsympathetic.

It's easy to disregard an officer's instructions to drive slower when he or she was abrupt or brisk. After all, we don't know the officer may have responded to a call where a tragic death occurred. But since we don't know that, we're focusing on the fact that we were made late to work and have to pay a traffic ticket.

It's easy to blame the police for not being at the right place at the right time, much easier than blaming ourselves for leaving a door unlocked or letting mail stack up while on vacation. As a result, our inattention attracted a burglar and made our home and neighborhood unsafe.

Our help is needed in watching out for our neighbors, their property and stopping unsafe situations.

Being a good neighbor may take some time and effort, but it is well worth it. The help you provide a neighbor could come back in return and at the very least, send the message your neighborhood is being watched out for.

For the police officer who stopped at a home to investigate why a car door was left open, we thank you.

An officer did this recently in Moses Lake. His efforts alerted a homeowner his car was broken into. The officer helped keep a neighborhood safe when residents were sleeping.

This past weekend, Moses Lake police officers were out in full force during the town's huge Spring Festival downtown that featured a carnival, parade, car show and dance performances. Officers helped keep the city safe during a weekend of fun for residents and guests, with police Chief Dean Mitchell even out patrolling.

Grant County deputies were on hand throughout the county to maintain order during the busy Memorial Day weekend, which attracts many guests to the county's public recreation areas. People were out boating, fishing and swimming, bringing with them carloads of kids, pets and gear to watch out for.

It means more people are out on the roads who may be unfamiliar with their surroundings.

On a larger scale, public safety workers are saving lives, stopping accidents and putting out fires at all hours of the day. For those we didn't mention, thank you for your service.

When was the last time you thanked a law enforcement officer or a first responder?

We encourage you to do so as we head into the busy summer months. And try putting yourself in his or her's shoes when feeling frustrated with their efforts.

- Editorial board