Difficult times have a way of revealing the heroes among us. It’s hard to forget what took place on this day nearly twenty years ago and the national struggle that followed those horrible attacks on American lives. Yet, amid the chaos and confusion, our first responders sprang into action, running into crumbling buildings to rescue citizens trapped inside, administering vital care to those with injuries, and evacuating others to safety. Their swift response became a light to a nation lost in darkness.

Officer in the St. Louis police force for over two decades, US military contractor who aided in interrogating suspected terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan, and current Sherriff’s Deputy for Laramie County, Jeff Barnes is a man who never wastes an opportunity to serve. Jeff’s tireless dedication to others is one of the many reasons we’re honored to share his story.

When a disaster hits, many people panic. Kelly Jones isn’t one of them. For months during the COVID-19 crisis, she was stationed in Costa Mesa on CAL-MET’s Disaster response team, treating patients in critical condition and having next to no physical contact with her husband and two young sons. We’re sharing Kelly’s story because her unwavering willingness to spring into action in high-stress environments immediately stood out to us.

Working 24-hour shifts. Gone for up to 21 days in a row. This has been Michael Pradin’s schedule during his most recent mission: dealing with the California wildfires. Time after time, this LA County firefighter sets aside his own plans to show up when he is most needed. That’s why we’ve chosen to share his story.