When we think of first responders we have in our minds those responding to fires, emergency medical situations or crimes. Rarely do we include either the city’s or the county’s road departments in that category.

We should.

Over the past few weeks, as Vicksburg and Warren County have sustained near-record rainfall, the problems faced by road crews are a matter of public safety.

They have chased wash-outs and collapses.

They have had to monitor floodwaters and close road after road to traffic.

They have had to take on landslides and downed trees.

All of this work has been done in an effort to one protect the public. City and county road crews are taking whatever steps they can to keep important roads and thoroughfares open.

In just the past few days, they have been forced to close Hwy. 27 due to flooding on the Big Black River and Redwood Road because of the impact constant rainfall has had on the thoroughfare.

These crews have worked long hours and have waged a battle against the forces of Mother Nature not because it is their job, but because of their service to the city and the county.

These crews must at times feel like the little Dutch boy in the dam, chasing one leak after another.

And for that effort, that commitment we say “thanks.”