National First Responder Day is October 28th

Tom Mortenson, locally known as “The Colonel” is leading the charge to promote local governments and the news media to bring attention to National First Responder Day, October 28th.

Speaking before a group of community leaders in Temple Terrace Tuesday evening, Mortenson noted that “Congress designated Oct. 28 as National First Responders Day in 2017: and this year marks the 6th annual National Responders Day that was sponsored by bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate and House and proclaimed by the President.

According to Mortenson, “The day honors first responders, both men and women, career and volunteer, from 911 dispatchers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, search and rescue teams, rescue pilots and divers, emergency management professionals, public works professionals, and members of other organizations in the public safety sector, who stand on the front lines of our communities, selfishly coming together to protect and aid citizens in times of crisis”

Mortenson who served as the Department of Defense Emergency Preparedness Officer for Florida during Hurricane Katrina and served in the Florida National Guard during numerous natural and manmade disasters, including Hurricane Andrew in the hardest hit areas of Dade County in southeastern Florida, where the storm destroyed more than 25,000 homes and damaged an additional 100,000.

Mortenson told the group “first responders risk their life and safety every day and in a moment’s notice, first responders are quick to respond to dangerous situations that threaten our community, whether in natural or man-made disasters, fires, accidents, medical emergencies; and other threats.”

Mortenson added that “ first responders must be ready to provide lifesaving services to the people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.”

Mortenson said he is “contacting local governments throughout the area to recognize the integral role first responders play in our community and the benefits derived from their hard work, commitment, sacrifice, and unhesitating dedication by declaring October 28th as First Responder Day in their community.”

He is urging them to issue a proclamation to raise public awareness and conduct appropriate events to honor all our First Responders.

Mortenson is calling on the public to "thank our First Responders for their service and let them know we care about them and their families."