A STATE EMPLOYEE THAT VERY LIKELY SAVED A LIFE

Many of us tend to slam state employees for regularly doing what many of us tend to do...not show enough compassion or do enough to help those who we serve. But Bill Cottrell's column in the Tallahassee Democrat Monday proves that, at least sometimes, that criticism can be misplaced.

He tells the story of Division of Forestry ranger Jason Long, who was part of a group of state employees who went to assist in the Mississippi coastal city of Waveland. He ended up saving a woman, the mother of one son who had recently been killed in action in Iraq and another seriously hurt in an automobile accident, who was seriously considering suicide. Mr. Long's background in emergency services told him that she was not just another scared victim, and made sure that she received counseling.

For his efforts, Long received a commendation from the department and words of praise from Agricultrual Commissioner Charles Bronson:

"We're awfully proud of Jason and believe his action underscores the commitment to public service that characterizes our employees."

Way to go!