Last weekend’s Tunnel to Towers event in Alpena showcased amazing acts of bravery performed by local emergency responders.

When fast-moving water swept a 10-year-old boy toward the base of Four-Mile Dam in Alpena Township, the quick actions of firefighters Chris Kinsey and Jacob Ordway brought the frightened boy safely to shore.

At Tunnel to Towers, Mark Hansen, Alpena Township Fire Department chief, presented a life-saving award to Kinsey and a Medal of Valor to Ordway.

Michigan State Police-Alpena Post Trooper Jacob Strong in September rescued an elderly couple from their burning home in Spruce.

At Tunnel to Towers, organizers honored Strong with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Follow the Footsteps Award. In February, the State Police awarded Strong a Citation of Bravery.

The recipients of those awards all said their actions represented just another day at the office, and they’re right.

For the brave men and women who put on firefighter and police uniforms, bravery is part of the job description.

We say thanks to Strong, Kinsey, and Ordway, and thanks to everyone who puts on the uniform.

Thank you for the heroism.