First responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.

Kevin Boozel, a county commissioner who is also a volunteer first responder, knows firsthand how dangerous any given situation can be. It’s also the driving force behind his proposed memorial and picnic shelter to honor first responders.

The line-of-duty-death monument, which Boozel hopes can be built in Alameda Park, would memorialize all county firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services personnel who have perished while on duty.

The project is expected to cost between $350,000 and $400,000.

Boozel said the two Butler Rotary groups have committed to help raise funds, and corporate and public donations will be sought if the board of commissioners votes to proceed with the project.

“It would shed light on the true sacrifice these volunteers make every day,” Boozel said of the project.

Emergency responders include law enforcement, firefighting and prevention personnel, and ambulance crews.

From 2011 to 2015, 838 emergency responders died from fatal occupational injuries according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In Pennsylvania, six firefighters died on duty last year.

First responders also face risk of assault, being hit by a vehicle while at an accident scene and dangers associated with dealing with domestic violence and drug-related calls.

Emergency response and recovery workers also are at risks of exposure to blood-borne infectious diseases through contact with sharp objects and the potential contamination of open wounds. Concerns include the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis.

A team of first responders was honored in November for using life-saving techniques on a Bruin Township man who was mowing his grass last summer when his riding mower got caught on a travel trailer in his yard, pulling him into the trailer’s newly sharpened edge.

O.J. Roudebush said emergency crews worked quickly to control the bleeding, which he said was occurring at a rapid and fatal rate.

“It’s humbling to know my life was in their hands, and it truly truly was,” Roudebush said. “They really showed compassion, and they knew what they were doing. I can’t thank them enough.”

It’s fitting to honor these trained professionals who work daily to protect us. Their efforts and bravery often are overlooked.

— JGG