PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Last week, most of us were glued to the television by the events of what has now become known as the Boston Marathon Bombing. As many of the scenes were repeated over and over again, the biggest thing that stood out to me was how quickly Boston’s first responders — police, firefighters, EMTs, National Guard — got involved. Most impressive was the fact they ran toward the chaos, not away from it.

I think the vast majority of us have a high level of respect for those serving in uniform. As a former Marine, I served 21 years and was in three different combat zones. I even got a couple medals for it.

Yet I have friends in the state police, local police departments, Homeland Security, and other high-level security details that face potential combat zones every single day. Even on good days, there is a small but annoying percentage of our citizens that feel that need to hurl obscenities and insults at our guys and gals in blue. You just couldn’t pay me enough to put up with that stuff.

When I look at the firefighters throughout the state of Maine, I am amazed by their dedication. This statement is even more impactful when I think about the number of folks who are volunteer firefighters in our smaller municipalities. People that work all day long at a regular job and then train for hours on end putting out fires, immediate first aid, and advanced life-saving techniques. Why do they do this? So when the buzzer goes off at zero dark thirty on any given night, they will be ready to save a home or the life of a loved one.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our brothers and sisters in the Maine National Guard with this group. What many people don’t know is that their first job is not to go off to war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is to be citizen soldiers and guard and protect us Mainers right here at home. Again, folks voluntarily putting the needs of others before their own — in some cases, even before the needs of their own families.

There are many other emergency medical techs, paramedics, port, and Homeland Security folks who are constantly looking out for us. While I can’t list them all in this column, I know their constant vigilance is the major reason why we don’t have more incidents like 9/11 or the Boston Marathon Bombing.

As I re-read this column, a couple of words come to mind: unselfishness and valor. Unselfishness is putting others before themselves. Valor is defined as “boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery.” Folks voluntarily facing fires, man-made or natural disasters, facing down bad guys, and risking their own lives for people they have never met — sounds like unselfish valor to me.

I am both humbled by and proud of the people who make sure I am able to go about my day with the feeble worries that I have — such as making my noon deadline for completing this article — as opposed to having serious concerns like being blown up or my loved ones being injured.

So if you get the chance, next time you see one of the guys or gals who serve in a first responder role, please consider taking the time to tell them, “thank you for your service.” Shake their hand and say it like you mean it. Teach your kids and grand babies to do the same.

To the men and women who serve to protect me every day, to say thank you doesn’t even cover it. You are my heroes. Semper Fi, and please know that you are appreciated more than you know.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Tonight, April 24, 5 to 7 p.m., is Chamber After Hours at Wild Duck Pub, Highland Green, Topsham. Members and guests may avail themselves of the best networking in the region, delicious refreshments and door prizes.

“Blogging for Business: Answering the 5 W’s” — the second in the chamber’s Social Media and Online Marketing series of Small Business Success Seminars. May 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Priority Business Center, 2 Main St., Topsham.

Free Business Coaching Session from Bob Bremm, of AdviCoach, on May 14, 8 to 10 a.m., at Priority Business Center, 2 Main St., Topsham. Appointment required by emailing rbremm@advicoach.com.

“The Basics of Valuing Your Small Business” presented by Reg Perry, founding director of PFBF CPA’s, on May 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Topsham Public Library, Foreside Road, Topsham.

The Women’s Networking Forum meets May 22, 5 to 7:30 p.m., at the Captain Daniel Stone Inn, Brunswick. Networking, refreshments and a keynote “Grow Your Business Now” presented by Michelle Neujahr, director of Southern Maine Community College Entrepreneurial Center. Fee of $20.

Please register for all events online at www.midcoastmaine.com.

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