Florida is home to some of the finest law enforcement men and women in our country, and we should never lose sight of the fact that our safety and security come at a tremendous price.

Eighteen years ago this week, we learned just how quickly that security can be taken from us, and how selflessly our first responders act in the face of terror. As our nation reflects on 9/11 and the lives lost on that fateful day, let us not forget the police officers, firefighters and paramedics who rushed to the scene—many of them entering the towers moments before they collapsed.

While these heroic actions are forever etched in the minds of those of us who watched in horror as our nation was under attack, there are day-to-day sacrifices by our first responders that often go unnoticed.

Earlier this month, as Florida braced for a hurricane strike, our first-responders kicked in to high gear. They quickly organized, manned emergency operation centers, patrolled their communities offering advice and assistance to help keep Floridians safe.

First-responders lean into the danger. They jeopardize their safety to protect their fellow Americans. I was honored this week to address hundreds of first responders at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office First Responders Appreciation Lunch.

We also honored first responders in Orlando this week, by awarding the Back the Blue award to three Seminole County Sheriff’s Deputies who saved three people from overdosing on fentanyl. Their quick thinking and expertise saved lives and speaks volumes about the debt we owe our first responders.

We can never thank them enough, but by recognizing their sacrifices and all that they do, we can build a stronger, safer Florida.