This past weekend I had the pleasure of covering one of the first fire banquets of the year, kicking off a couple months of annual awards ceremonies for Harford's men and women who serve us.

The Aberdeen Fire Department's annual banquet was held Saturday night and serving as toastmaster was Harford County Councilman "Capt." Jim McMahan.

Last year I started at The Aegis toward the end of the fire banquet season but still managed to cover three of them.

All of them are somewhat unique and catered to their own communities, so even though it had been nearly a year since the last one I covered, I went into Aberdeen remembering how I covered the last few.

But McMahan's comments at the close of the evening Saturday brought up some things that I really hadn't considered before. Especially after the banquets last year, I was already aware of the sacrifices these men and women make when they join local fire departments.

It was McMahan's comments, however, that really drove it home. Among other things, he pointed out that many loved ones are left alone on holidays and birthdays because of the dedication of our firefighters and EMS responders.

It may seem like a simple thing but I don't really think it is. My husband, John, has rarely had to miss any major events between our two families, if at all, for any of his commitments.

Even so, I can imagine how upsetting it would be if he had to. On top of that, I can't even comprehend what it would feel like for John to not only miss something with our family, but to do so by putting himself in harm's way.

Truly, even if he wasn't missing some family event I would still struggle with letting him go out the door straight into possible danger, even though I know it would be to help another person.

Before Saturday night, I guess I just didn't put much thought into our local firefighters and EMS responders. Not that I didn't think much of their circumstances, rather, it didn't typically cross my mind.

McMahan is right, though. If the public could go to those banquets it would be such an eye-opening experience. I don't think we realize how many sacrifices both the responders and their families make each day.

It really is a shame that these men and women don't usually get the appreciation they truly deserve. I'm sure many of these people have full- or part-time jobs in addition to their posts at the local fire company.

I don't want to continue to write about sacrifices I know nothing about but I do want to urge everyone to recognize that they are being made for us. It takes a lot of dedication and courage to serve in these positions and I don't take that very lightly.

I want to thank all of you who do serve in our local fire departments, and those beyond Harford County, for what you do each day and night. I think you do amazing things and I truly appreciate it.

I am also very grateful for the families and friends who support them because I know that, too, is not an easy feat.

I don't think I have always appreciated you all enough as I should have but I will now, as well as keep you in my prayers. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.