Hailing our local heroes

They live among us. They’re the givers, the sharers, the good neighbors, the upstanding citizens – the people who take that added step, put in that extra effort to make their community, our community, a better place.

Some attract public attention. Most, though, are noticed only by those closest to them and, perhaps, by those who benefit from their actions. But whether they serve as community activists, are committed to animal rescue, take on the role of socially conscious attorneys, or stand as students or teachers who think and act selflessly, they deserve recognition.

And they deserve thanks.

Which is why we offer this series of Spokesman-Review profiles. Call them what you want – everyday heroes, ordinary people who do extraordinary things, or simply volunteers for the greater good – we designed the series as a way to spotlight the efforts of local individuals who embrace the notion of public service.

Our intent is not merely to bring attention to the few who are profiled here but more to stress both what they do and why they do it. We want to recognize them as representatives of the hundreds, perhaps thousands, who give as much, or even more, but who – and who may prefer to – remain nameless.

Our hope, ultimately, is that the actions of those whose stories we share here will serve as inspirations to us all.

Dan Webster