The first week of May is acknowledged as Public Service Recognition Week. Promoted by the Partnership for Public Service since 1985, the recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate those who serve the Nation as federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees.
Even More Essential
It has long been recognized that certain services we depend upon are essential to our safety and well-being, and are only delivered by those working in public service. These include the expected services—fire protection, emergency dispatch, law enforcement, snow removal, etc. But in this past year, we recognized this to include virus testing and vaccine delivery, as well as providing vital economic assistance. Those working at all levels of government have been found to be even more essential than perhaps previously recognized.
Easily Forgotten or Even Disparaged
All too often, government is ridiculed as bureaucratic, inefficient, or even corrupt. While there are (as in the private sector as well) certainly examples of this, by and large services are delivered in a professional, courteous, and thoughtful manner by your neighbors. Imagine what life would be like if safe, plentiful drinking water were not available in an instant at your tap; if a truck didn’t show up at your curb each week to carry off and safely dispose of your household waste; or if that trained paramedic didn’t show up at your door within minutes to help you with whatever circumstance you or a loved one may find themselves in. Government workers at all levels should be celebrated for what they do, and how they contribute to the strength and vitality of our neighborhoods, communities, and nation.
Well-Earned Thanks
So next time you see that soldier, fire fighter, police officer, teacher, sanitation worker, public health official, transit operator, or any of the other hundreds of thousands that, day in and day out, provide services that are essential to our lives, please tell them thank you and let them know how much you value their contribution to our Community.
Happy Public Service Recognition Week!
-- Bob Cowell