Federal employees keep
this country running
Federal employees serve and protect us every day at every level across the country and in our community. At no time was this more evident than during the 35-day partial government shutdown earlier this year.
From ensuring safe air travel to regulating new medicines to maintaining a safe food supply to processing Social Security checks, civil servants are everywhere, yet invisibly so.
And, contrary to popular belief, 85 percent of the federal workforce is located outside of Washington, D.C.
When natural disasters strike, they provide relief and help us rebuild. When mass shootings take place, they enter harm’s way and care for the wounded. And, when once-eradicated viruses reappear, they investigate public health crises. Whether they are in the public eye or active behind the scenes, civil servants take pride in working for something bigger than themselves.
At a time when the image of civil servants is unfairly tainted, and the idea of a career in public service is not on the minds of young professionals, it’s imperative that we recognize public servants and the noble profession of civil service.
Though we celebrated Public Service Recognition Week earlier this month, let’s still take time to thank a federal employee for keeping our country running safely, efficiently and for the good of the American people.
David R. Nicholson
Lost Creek
Take steps to stay safe
on road this summer
Memorial Day is this weekend, which is the unofficial kick-off to the summer travel season. AAA East Central projects nearly 43 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday weekend, which is the second-highest amount on record since AAA began tracking holiday travel volumes.
Moreover, a AAA Travel Survey from earlier this year found that nearly 100 million Americans will take a family vacation in 2019, which is slightly more than last year.
With increased traffic on the roadways this weekend and throughout the summer travel season, AAA is cautioning all motorists to take proactive steps in keeping the roadways safe.
That said, AAA, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bridgeport Police Department are announcing Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).
Operation C.A.R.E. is marked with an increased effort by law enforcement to combat speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence. Officers will step up enforcement details and DUI checkpoints throughout the summer, using police cruisers, armored vehicles, alcohol and drug enforcement vehicles, motorcycles and K-9 units.
We hope that this announcement reminds every one about the importance of making smart decisions behind the wheel, to help reduce the number of traffic fatalities on our roadways. Not only could driving distracted or impaired put a dent in your wallet, it can cost you your life.
JJ Miller
AAA East Central
Pittsburgh
