Today, the Butler Eagle salutes our communities’ firefighters, police officers and ambulance personnel with our “Heroes on the Homefront,” a 20-page special section.

The section spotlights first responders with specialized skills, such as the Southern Butler County Trench Collapse Rescue Team, which enters situations so perilous that fellow firefighters must wait until the team stabilizes the scene.

It also recognizes firefighters, like those from Cranberry Township, who take the time to visit students to teach them about fire safety, emergency procedures and the role of the fire department — lessons the children at Rowan Elementary School will not soon forget.

These are men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe and secure.

But heroes walk among us daily, even if they don’t wear uniforms or capes.

For one person, a mom, dad, aunt, uncle, or best friend can be a hero.

For another, it could be a teacher, coach or child.

Anyone who has lost his faith in humanity needs to open their eyes. Heroes in real life exist.

Simple acts of kindness, courage and love make “everyday heroes,” who can touch a person’s life with a smile or helping hand.

The list is endless. They are everywhere.

Real-life heroes are ordinary people helping others in need. Often they remain unknown.

A hero doesn’t just intervene when they see wrong being done. A true hero is there to do good at any time. This might mean taking some extra time out of your day to perform a good deed.

You can do anything from paying for the coffee of the person behind you in line at the coffee shop to helping some lost visitors find their way around your city.

Giving a harried parent or caregiver a moment to regroup or putting the groceries in the car for an older shopper are small gestures that mean the world to someone facing a stressful moment.

No faith in humanity? Try showing some to others,

Anyone can be a hero. Find the hero in you.