We need some heroes …..

Probably, at some point in your life, you’ve been influenced by a hero.

We’re not talking the cape-and-tights TV or movie types here. Just your average, everyday, run-of-the-mill person who does some kind of selfless act and then goes about their regular business.

It could be a neighborhood kid who, without being coaxed or asked, mows the lawn of that senior citizen he knows can’t do it herself; a police officer who stops to change a stranded motorist’s tire, then motors on down the road; a person who volunteers at a boys’ or girls’ club or nursing home where they probably don’t even know anybody.

Of course there are the life-saving ones, who might Heimlich a choking diner or administer CPR on someone in obvious distress or jump in a swimming pool and pull out a drowning toddler.

The real ones never do it for publicity and often go to extremes to avoid the spotlight, but in this day and age of cameras in virtually every hand you see it’s rare when someone doesn’t catch the act on video.

As we see on the six o’clock news, the bad stuff gets featured more often than the heroic. It’s just the nature of the business, and that’s a shame.

Every now and then, though, truly brave acts rise to the opening segments of programs, like when that crowd of folks formed a ‘human chain’ and rescued someone trapped in a riptide on the coast.

See, heroes far outnumber the bad guys. Always have, always will.

For some, it’s almost genetic. All you have to do is join a civic club or association like the Red Cross or Salvation Army or Samaritan’s Purse and you’ll soon learn that just about every member is someone who has pretty much always gravitated toward doing what they can for their fellow human beings. Or animals, if it’s a ‘rescue shelter’ you opt to visit.

And we’re not necessarily talking about, say, rich folks giving back out of a sense of guilt for their success. I’ve seen homeless people helping other homeless people in time of need. It has nothing to do with what you have in your pocket.

It’s all about what you have in your heart. Ask any first responder why they do what they do.

I need a hero, Bonnie Tyler sings in her popular anthem “Holding Out for a Hero,” penned as part of the Footloose soundtrack way back in 1984.

Fortunately for all of us, you don’t have to look far, Bonnie.

Speaking of heroes ….

During my week off the North Carolina State Highway Patrol quietly observed the 95th anniversary of what is, without a doubt, one of the best state law enforcement organizations ever in this country.

I’ve had and still have many friends who’ve worn that distinctive uniform and driven those silver and black cars you can’t miss.

Every single trooper you talk to will tell you of his or her dedication to public service and keeping us safe.

And they mean it.

We salute you, NCSHP, and thank you for your service.