A typical Monday morning in my college life, enjoying a coffee in my dorm’s dining hall and preparing for my run and long day of classes ahead. I pondered through my phone, like every morning, checking to see what’s new within the world and my peers. I was shocked to see my family group chat unfolding the appalling events that occurred in the early morning of February 18th. I look up at the TV ahead and see the devastating information displayed, “3 first responders killed in domestic violence case in Bloomington, Minnesota early Sunday morning.” The only thought that arose within my mind was “Why?”
My sister has always worked hard for everything that she has accomplished in her life, and I’ve only ever wanted the best for her. When she graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Nursing Degree in the spring of 2023, I wondered how her future career path was going to shape out being a first responder. Throughout her time since graduation, she has worked as a Registered Nurse at HCMC Hospital in Minneapolis. Long overnight shifts and emotional heartfelt circumstances have been a common theme throughout her early work experience, but she never complains and loves her job and ability to help others. When I hear news that the SWAT team was at HCMC Hospital after the tragic events that occurred in Bloomington, the only emotional feeling that comes to light is worry. Not only are our first responders constantly surmounted with strenuous circumstances, but they don’t get the true recognition they deserve.
I discussed with my friend Dominic Argenta, a freshman neuroscience student at the University of Minnesota, about the issues that first responders face and the dilemma around the whole topic. He described how, “As of recently, there have been an increased amount of strikes within the medical industry within doctors and nurses surrounding their wage and hourly concerns. This has caused other workers to have to pick up hours and increase overall stress within their lives. These workers are forced to work more than they’d like to, and have little time for breaks and their outside life.” As he described, strikes and increased hours have been a common theme within the medical industry within the past few years. These issues not only affect the quality of personal care provided, but the mental and physical health of workers within these fields.
The sacrifices and courageous efforts that our first responders are held accountable for are often swept under the rug within our modern society. In the case of the domestic call in Burnsville, first responders were called upon and at the scene in a timely manner, courageously looking to help the situation and help those in harm come out safe. Their courageous efforts sadly led to tragedy and the death of 2 police officers, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Rudge (27), and firefighter Adam Finseth (40). The families of those affected are devastated by the loss of their loved ones, and now are forced to endure and overcome the grief of these losses. Although there are many nationwide headlines highlighting the tragic events that unfolded and other similar circumstances, I don’t believe that first responders get enough respect and acknowledgement for the daily sacrifices that they make, and Minneapolis as a community and the nation as a whole needs to find better ways to support first responders.
First responders are essential for any community, as they endure many different challenges and sacrifices on a daily basis. Establishing meaningful support systems within communities can help provide a better mental sense of appreciation within these peoples lines of work. Building strong relationships help foster trust, respect and understanding between individuals and first responder workers that has been lost in recent times. Embracing these guiding principles is the first step in personal gratitude and appreciation for all of the hard work and sacrifices that our first responders make.
