Lawrence police and emergency personnel have had a workout recently. In the last few months, the police and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical have dealt with two murder scenes, an arson that destroyed a mobile home, the discovery of a body on railroad tracks in North Lawrence, an armed standoff at a local townhouse, a string of liquor store robberies and assorted other incidents. And this is just the start of a long, hot summer in Lawrence.

These men and women respond to crime scenes and emergency situations in Lawrence day in and day out, but the many that have occurred recently seem particularly extreme. It’s upsetting to residents who only read about it in the news. How much harder is it for those who must deal with the results of criminal behavior and tragic accidents?

It’s only right to acknowledge the tough job they have and tell them we appreciate the good job they do.