Unsung heroes at this time of year are people who keep on working. I don't mean the few of us who still hang around media offices to cobble together what passes for news and opinion in the depths of the silly season, while others who chose their careers more wisely are relaxing. We are mere messengers.

My praise and thanks are directed at what are broadly called emergency services. Of course there are always some you'd want to exclude, such as the overzealous tow-truck driver, or the slack policeman who confuses duty and nonchalance. Yet there are thousands of emergency workers out there, paramedics, ambulance staff and policemen, genuinely dedicated to helping ensure the safety and well-being of others at this time. While you are spending time with family and loved ones over Christmas and New Year, they are on the alert.

While you might raise a glass or two, they daren't touch a drink, lest it interfere with their judgment or their ability to perform a life-saving task. Mostly they are unheralded. Many are unpaid or virtually so. Certainly, they seldom receive the recognition of rewards they deserve. Within the emergency services there are seasoned experts who know how to alert the media to significant events, but even then their messages don't always make headlines.

One such organization which keeps journalists well informed with a steady stream of e-mails is the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Yesterday I was struck by their news about a man who drowned in the surf at Kommetjie after being thrown from a horse. Apparently he was one of several riders on duty from a local stable, exercising the animals in the early morning. News reports seldom capture the essence of such incidents.

Having experienced Kommetjie at dawn, could imagine the sea claiming its victim. But for this column the point is the number of people and organisations involved. NSRI Kommetjie launched a rescue craft and a Metro Red Cross helicopter. The SAPS responded.

The body, spotted from the helicopter, was recovered by NSRI rescue swimmers. It was handed to the Forensic Pathology Services. And so on. The scene of readiness is replicated with variations all along the coast and inland. Let's salute all those selflessly on duty throughout South Africa.

Thank you for caring for others.

Happy New Year

Article: Citizen (Second Edition)

Date: 29 December 2010

Journalist: Martin Williams