Friday night, Washington Police and Fire Services had its annual Christmas party and awards ceremony. Washington Fire Station No. 2’s garage had been cleared out, replaced by long tables, filled with employees of the departments, their families and various invited guests.

It was a festive atmosphere, made all the more so by the number of people there, both active in service and those who’ve retired from it. But service was the theme for the evening, as it became apparent that those who’d gone above and beyond what theirs jobs required were the ones who were recognized.

When it comes to community outreach, Washington Police and Fire Services, as a whole, is very active. All year long, activities to bring officers and the people they serve together in situations that are not the culmination of a 911 call have been orchestrated. They’ve presented community watch seminars and educational forums for fire safety; they’ve held community block parties and meet and greets in neighborhoods throughout the city. Taking part in the various outreach events is part of the job, but in this department, doing more than just the job is expected.

Those recognized Friday night included several people who volunteer, whether with developmentally disabled children, served as mentors or are very involved with Boy Scouts. They are people who continue their service to the public that’s expected on the job into their daily lives, on their own time, and often at their own expense. They are not just good officers and firefighters, but good people who give of themselves for the benefit of the entire community.

The example they set is the foundation for the future, perhaps a place where not just those who are paid to do so, but everyone, goes above and beyond to create a better and safer City of Washington.