Public employees across the nation give back to their communities in extraordinary ways every single day. From donating to food banks to helping neighbors and protecting their communities, public employees have always been there when their community needs them the most.
Here are three stories of public employees committed to servicing their communities:
Tennessee Guard continues Florida assistance in Hurricane Ian aftermath by News Staff. After Hurricane Ian hit the coast of Florida, first responders and the National Guard responded to help those in need. As the National Guard from several states deployed, they were designated to help with search and rescue operations in areas affected by the storm. Captain Dan Fuentes, the commander of Tennessee’s helicopter task force and a police officer with the Metro Nashville Police Department, was one of the individuals deployed to help. Fuentes commented on their efforts, “I really didn’t know what to expect when I got the call, but this is what we do,” said Fuentes. “This is a great chance to help and show people what the Guard is all about.”
North Bay Stand Down returns to give veterans a hand up by Nick Sestanovich. North Bay Stand Down, an event in Dixon, California, returned this year after a multi-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. The event seeks to provide veterans free services and connect them with resources. Jeanette Wylie, a retired Travis Unified School District teacher and a current Vacaville City Councilwoman, was one of the volunteers at the event assigned to help veterans sign in and serve food. “It takes a lot of people to make it work, and I’m happy to be one of them,” Wylie said. “Mine was just a small part.” The event drew unhoused and at-risk veterans from the entire region and provided them with flu shots, dental work, and even haircuts.
