Thanking first responders, from New York to Middletown

First responders are those we call when we are scared or in trouble. These highly trained and skilled individuals do a great job helping people in serious need of medical attention.

I give credit to two police officers with the Kissimmee Police Department who died in the line of duty: Officer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. Sam Howard. I also credit the people who tried to save the lives of these two courageous heroes.

To Kissimmee Chief of Police Jeffrey Odell, I am proud to speak about your officers. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers.

To the men and women of the New York City Police Department who have lost great fellow officers Det. Miosotis Familia, 46th Precinct, the Bronx; Det. Brian Moore, 105th Precinct AntiCrime Unit; Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo, 43rd Precinct. These officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The officers of the Middletown Police Department lost a brother officer Jan. 28, 2000: Sgt. George R. Dingwall, a 19-year veteran of the force, while in pursuit of burglary suspects.

I would also like to credit officers of the Cromwell Police Department, specifically Chief Denise Lamontagne. She also has demonstrated great leadership for the officers under her command.

I appreciate the New York City Fire Department for all they do for the people of the city of New York. Not long ago, the FDNY lost a fellow firefighter, Michael R. Davidson of Engine Co. 69, in the line of duty at a movie studio fire scene. At his funeral, he was promoted to lieutenant.

Thank you to those who serve and thank you for what you do. God bless first responders and their families.

This Fourth of July, Americans everywhere will toast to our nation’s 242st birthday. Fireworks will light the night sky as friends, families and communities gather together to celebrate our independence.

While summer holidays are a great chance to enjoy a cold beer in the summer sun, always remember to celebrate responsibly. This Independence Day weekend, let’s give America the best birthday gift we can by always planning ahead for a safe ride home and helping keep our roads safe for all.

Over the past 35 years, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners have invested more than $1 billion in the United States to promote alcohol responsibility and help prevent drunk driving.

These holiday weekends, and every weekend, remember that drunk driving is 100 percent preventable when we all do our part. Get a ride. Call a cab. Take a train. Whatever you do, care enough to get home safely. Have a fun and safe holiday.

William Prevatte, Middletown