Notwithstanding the fact that my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, is now in the rear view mirror, nonetheless, the sentiments of that day perdure. I am still suffused with gratitude for the examples of my parents and the commitment to public service by my sister, Alice, and brother, Bud. Nobody could have better friends than I do and whose generosity of spirit is an inspiration. Of course, I am very grateful to the Sisters of Mercy and the example of their lives served for the betterment of this world.

I also am inspired by people I don’t really know or whom I know somewhat. This Thanksgiving was filled with examples of these folks in various professions who are standouts. By contrast the news is also punctuated by people who could have been heroes but who engaged in behavior far below the dignity of their occupation. Here are just a few examples:
Mayor Brent Taylor- Besides being mayor of a small town, Mr. Taylor was also a soldier in the Utah National Guard. During his fourth tour of duty in a war-torn country and second deployment to Afghanistan, he was murdered by an alleged Afghan soldier he was training. While being separated from his wife and seven children his last missive home was to reiterate that “Unite we stand, divided we fall.” His reminder was prescient given the torn fabric of our country. Far too many citizens create tribalism rather than unity. He also stands as a contrast to those in public office who think that being in office makes them a public benefactor rather than a public servant.

Firefighters in California- Not too many people can claim that they have been to hell and back. The firefighters in Northern California most certainly can assert such a dubious distinction. They and other first responders struggled heroically in putting out the raging fires and moving folks to safety. By contrast we see the penury of some firefighters who undermine the respect which rightfully belongs to their profession. The recent charges against an East Greenwich firefighter who allegedly erased 111,000 files from town computers and the "visit" by some firefighters in Warwick to the office of Ken Block, a citizen, who has exposed staffing practices that undermine the public fiscally, are a couple of examples. Even since the Station Club fire in West Warwick most Rhode Island citizens treasure them. It’s a shame when the respect is undermined by such baseness.

Ken Block- Speaking of Mr. Block, he is a treasure in this state. Putting his own money where his mouth is, he has routinely volunteered his considerable skills to root out waste.

Judge Bennett Gallo- I am very proud to be an attorney since I see the profession as a guardian of justice for all. Last week, Judge Gallo made a tough but correct call when a child molester on parole was arrested on the basis that he gave a false address (originally correct) on his marriage license. The judge noted that the arrest wouldn’t have happened with anyone else. Judge Gallo had the guts to rule against a police department and citizens who were picketing the neighborhood where this ex-felon resided in order to uphold the rule of law.

Such examples of everyday heroism are sources of my gratitude and I hope yours.

Arlene Violet is an attorney and former Rhode Island Attorney General.