You have probably seen the haunting images and videos of the California forest fires raging along highways and engulfing all that is in their path. The Thomas fire is currently the second largest in California history and has the potential to be the largest forest fire the state of California has ever experienced.

The fire has already blazed through 272,000 acres and the Santa Ana winds have no intention of letting the fires end yet. Many have been sent evacuation warnings and a plethora of emergency protocols can be found with one simple Google search.

One of the scariest aspects of these outrageous forest fires is the fact that there are firefighters that are facing these dangers head-on every day. Firefighters selflessly take on the occupation of battling fires in order to protect the health and well-being of other citizens and maintain the integrity of our cities.

Any profession that involves protecting others by placing your own life on the line deserves special recognition. One of the more heart-wrenching stories that I have read pertaining to these California fires is the loss of a young Cal Fire firefighter.

He had a wife, a 2-year-old daughter, and one other daughter on the way. It is especially challenging that his family had to endure the loss in the midst of the holidays. I have family friends that are local firefighters, and just two years ago I watched them lose one of their own men. It's absolutely devastating to watch a station lose a teammate, a family lose of member, and a community lose a hero.

I can't imagine having half the amount of courage that these men and women possess. Some of the responders are even volunteer firefighters. I have the utmost appreciation and respect for those that are trying to make our country a safer place.

I want to give a "thank you" to all the firefighters that are currently battling the California fires, and furthermore, thank those across the nation that have fearlessly chosen this duty and fight against these dangers every day.

You are making a huge contribution to this world.