From The Bakersfield Californian​.

KERN COUNTY​ — October 28, 2024 — Monday was First Responders Recognition Day, and first responders throughout Bakersfield and across Kern County were honored by a crowd of admirers that gathered at Historic Union Cemetery.

Kern County Chief Probation Officer Bill Dickinson said he wanted to talk about the humanity behind Kern County’s first responders.

And he didn’t disappoint.

“They are sons and daughters; they are mothers and fathers; they are brothers and sisters,” he said. “They are people who live in and who often have been raised in our own community. They are our neighbors and they are our friends,” Dickinson said. “They are also created with a heartbeat and a soul.”

The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by a crisp, exacting, perfection-seeking Kern County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.

Then they stood at attention, waiting, as retired Bakersfield Symphony principal trumpet player Michael Raney performed the national anthem as a cool autumn breeze blew across the old cemetery in east Bakersfield.

Jose Lopez, director of the Kern County Veterans Service Department, led the event, and invited up one speaker after another to share their thoughts and appreciation for those who race toward crisis rather than retreating from it.

Maria Pagano, commander of the Mojave area office of the California Highway Patrol, expressed her appreciation for Kern County residents who support first responders in their communities.
 

“We’re very fortunate to live in Kern County where we have a very supportive community,” Pagano told the gathering.

State Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, a local medical doctor, told the crowd she “didn’t want to do the doctor thing,” but she couldn’t help herself.

“Do you know what the leading cause of death is amongst first responders?” she said. “Sudden cardiac death.

“….First responders show up. They show up, day-in day-out. They sacrifice not only their time, but themselves — and their health.”

Bains pleaded directly to the many firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical service employees present to make sure they are caring for themselves and seeing their doctor regularly.

…

She cited “skyrocketing” suicide rates among first responders, and the toxic stress they experience.

It was a few minutes of tough love, and a change from the praise and accolades more common to this annual event. But as a physician, Bains said it had to be done.

Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer also spoke frankly.

“First responders face high risk virtually every time they step out into the front lines,” Zimmer said. “It is possibly America’s most dangerous profession.”

The DA said first responders deserve more than just our thanks.

“They deserve laws that will support them in protecting and serving effectively,” she said.

Zimmer cited “a new era of emergency” officers of the law and other first responders have faced over the past 10 years, from rampant drug addiction and theft to homelessness.

First responders work to protect victims, she added, “while operating within California’s current drug and theft laws, arguably the weakest in our nation.”

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Read the full article here.