Doing good deeds in the public's name

Public employees serve the community well every day, though they may not routinely get credit for what they do. Two recent instances, one involving a school district and the other a fire department, typify what we mean. Sterling Schools plans to honor a former English teacher Saturday by dedicating the high school's renovated library in her name. We refer to Marie Dickson, who taught at SHS from 1949 to 1980. Her impact is still being felt, 28 years after her retirement. One of her students, Terry Brooks, went on to write the best-selling Shannara series of fantasy books. Brooks is scheduled to attend the ceremony, which starts at 1 p.m. at the high school. Though Brooks is her most famous student, Dickson taught hundreds of others how to use the library to research topics and write term papers. Dedicating the library in her name celebrates her ability to instill a desire to discover new information, absorb it, understand it, synthesize it, and write about it. An individual who made such an impact on young lives deserves to be recognized. We salute the school district for bestowing this honor on such a deserving person. We encourage the public to turn out and see the renovated library and congratulate Ms. Dickson during the open house from noon to 3 p.m. The other example of public service came from the Dixon City Fire Department. We're not talking about a fire-fighting exploit, but a fire-prevention exploit. The department, during Fire Prevention Week, has been encouraging local residents to improve fire safety at home. Firefighters have followed pizza delivery drivers on evening rounds to reward good fire prevention practices. Customers who agreed to participate allowed firefighters to check their smoke detectors. If someone had working detectors on all levels of the house, they received a $10 gift certificate good for their next pizza purchase. Firefighters also gave out new smoke detectors and batteries to those who needed them. This program took extra effort, but that effort may translate into fewer fires and safer residents, particularly as the weather turns colder and home heating season kicks in. We're pleased that local firefighters care enough to go the extra mile - literally - to promote fire safety. An appreciative school district and a proactive fire department. They're both doing special things in the public's name. The public ought to feel grateful about that. We certainly do.