When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and Pentagon ten years ago a new class of hero evolved — the first responder.

That September morning hundreds of police officers, firefighters and medical personnel rushed to the sites of the tragedy to attempt to help the victims of the attacks. While many lives were saved by their efforts, many more lives were lost — including several of the first responders — when the World Trade Center towers collapsed.

While the recognition of the importance of first responders is still strong in New York and Washington, D.C. they tend to get overlooked in many other parts of the nation until tragedy strikes.

Unfortunately, Franklin County experienced one of those tragedies in April when a tornado shredded Phil Campbell and eastern Franklin County and killed 26 residents.

Calvary Baptist Church will recognize first responders Sunday when it hosts a ceremony and a lunch in their honor.

The Franklin County Times commends Calvary Baptist Church for honoring this vital group of people who help protect us not only in times of major disaster, but also during the other incidents that occur such as house fires and automobile wrecks. Without these brave people, there would be even more tragedy in a world full of disasters.