New Albany and Union County can be dangerous places and at times have unpleasant sides.

Dangerous? How, you may ask.

Our community is dangerous precisely because so little crime does happen here that people are lulled into a sense of comfort and security. That makes it all the more difficult for law enforcement officers to maintain a level of vigilance that those in large cities are forced to have. And that requires more of an adjustment when violent crime does happen.

Unpleasant?

You may not think about it but we also have our share of stopped-up sewer lines, power outages during storms, refuse in streets and a variety of other unpleasantness that has to be dealt with no matter how inconvenient it may be.

Most of us don’t see any of this, though, because a group of Union Countians correct these problems so we don’t have to, often in dangerous, distasteful or stressful conditions.

Law enforcement officers usually deal with routine patrols, minor accidents, and petty disputes, but out of the blue they can find themselves involved in a high-speed chase or a shooting incident or dangerous domestic argument.

Street department and county road and solid-waste workers hit the road early and work outside all day, no matter how hot or cold, wet or dry. Solid-waste workers deal with smelly garbage, burst bags, animals and the danger of being hit by vehicles. Road workers are is physical danger doing repairs and maintenance and work with materials such as hot mix or large equipment.

Firefighters are always in danger whenever they are doing their job. Burns, smoke, falling debris, heat exhaustion are all dangers and they have to work when they can’t see what they are doing, may be out of touch with other firefighters and have to wear heavy protective gear as well.

Light, gas and water workers often have to make repairs in dangerous weather conditions. With gas comes the danger of explosion and need for haste. With electricity comes the danger of electrocution from high-voltage lines and repairs must often be done in heavy rains and lightning. All can have to work in the middle of the night.

Paramedics often work at dangerous accident or wreck scenes, in all sorts of weather conditions, sometimes at active crime scenes, at all hours and their taking the correct actions immediately can determine life or death.

Park and recreation work may not be as dangerous as some other tasks but the hours are long, sometimes extreme and generally come at a time when other people are not working.

Almost without exception, these people receive little public recognition or gratitude and their jobs don’t come with high salaries.

This issue is a way for the News-Exchange to at least say thanks for quietly and diligently working hard to make the lives of people in Union County so good. You are our Unsung Heroes.