Thank you to the snowplow drivers and first responders

IT CAN BE SAID THAT BEING A SNOWPLOW driver is a thankless job.

That’s why we need to be a little more thankful for the dozens of drivers who worked 12-hour shifts, some longer, in the Mon Valley and around the region to dig us out of about 10 inches to a foot of snow these past few days.

Yes, the critiques of the snow removal process are coming in hot and heavy — this road or that road has been missed, no one has touched this subdivision, the snow is piled up too high at intersections to see, etc., etc.

But we should be thankful that this major snow storm didn’t take us out of our routine for more than a couple days, and that the snow removal crews did the best they could under very challenging circumstances, including working around abandoned cars in snowdrifts, extremely cold temperatures and more.

The Mon Valley hasn’t had this much snow in such a short period of time in quite a while. It does tend to shock the system when we get more than a few inches of snow at a time.

But the snow plows and drivers were committed in their efforts and did a commendable job under challenging circumstances.

We should also extend kudos to law enforcement, emergency management, firefighters and all first responders who continued (and continue) to work in challenging conditions. We also credit everyone who had to brave the conditions to travel to their jobs — from medical personnel at hospitals, personal care home aides to steelworkers/factory employees and retail/restaurant workers — there are no remote work options for these hard-working folks.

We also saw many good Samaritans of all ages helping to shovel sidewalks and driveways and coming to the aid of stranded motorists. That’s what good neighbors and citizens do in times of need.

So thanks to all of them, and let’s remember what we learned from this first major go-around with winter (and hopefully last this season).

Take the warnings seriously, let the plow drivers do their jobs unimpeded and for heaven sakes, if law enforcement says stay off the roads, then please do it if you can.

And if you see a snowplow driver, wave and say thanks. A tiny bit of gratitude and kindness goes a lot farther than you might think.