While others run away from trouble, these selfless heroes run toward it to rescue those in danger.

When the opportunity to participate in an appreciation event came up with DFW Portraits for Heroes, I jumped at the chance.

This event was founded in memory of our 9/11 heroes and it continues today to thank those who continue to serve and protect our communities. They continually give their time both on and off duty to keep us safe and regularly miss out on birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in order to do that.

Several of the families that participated are especially dear to me as friends. We’ve watched as our husbands have become firefighters and been promoted, our families have grown together, and we’ve shared special events as one big, extended family.

It was a blessing to capture these moments for these families.

Other families were brand new to meeting, but the wonderful thing about first responders is that it’s an extended family in its own special way. Each of these families was so sweet and amazing to spend time with and I’m so glad I got to serve them!

If you see one of your local heroes out, be sure to say thank you!