Happy 249th birthday, America! Red, white and blue will be the color scheme of the day. It’s not just one of the most celebrated days of the year; it’s a day we should be taking a moment to reflect on all the freedoms we enjoy in this great land.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Memorial Day, giving thanks to the many who gave the ultimate sacrifice to preserve these freedoms. Now, in their honor, let’s make it an enjoyable summertime day to celebrate with our family and friends.

For all of the freedoms we do outwardly enjoy, I started thinking about some that, because they are such a normal part of our daily life here in Northampton, we may take for granted. The one that comes to my mind, especially as your mayor, is our public safety and the freedom from worry a well-established safety infrastructure brings.

To that end, I’m specifically referring to the professionalism and dedication of our intrepid Northampton police and fire departments and all those who serve these departments in their respective capacity.

One of the great honors I have as mayor, by virtue of the Pennsylvania State Borough Code, is the title of chief law enforcement officer of the borough. It’s a designation I take very seriously and thoughtfully.

Though tasked with that title, I’m very cognizant that I have a limited, but ever-growing, knowledge of professional police operations. That’s when I know I need to defer to the professionals, teaming with the seasoned experience and timely advice of police Chief Bryan Kadingo in community safety matters.

I’m blessed with the best front-row seat, watching our fine officers tackle the day-to-day challenges, ensuring we enjoy the safest community imaginable. Understand, there’s always the drive to enhance and improve community outreach and operations, but rest assured, our officers continue to be more than professional and respectful to our citizens, keeping the peace and upholding the laws by which we live.

That same professionalism and dedication certainly applies to our fire department, too! As an all-volunteer organization led by Chief Keith Knoblach, our fire department is considered and respected as one of the finest forces in the Lehigh Valley.

I can personally attest to that, as I’ve had many a firefighter from outside of the borough tell me how fortunate we are to have such a cohesive, well-trained and responsive force — one that so many communities across Pennsylvania lack.

Outside of the rigor’s firefighting, as if that’s not enough, they’re incredibly active in community activities, such as hosting a youth firefighting summer camp, community breakfasts and the annual Fireman’s Parade, to name a few. They are certainly a welcome presence.

Whether it be one of our police officers confronting an armed suspect or our firefighters rushing into a burning structure to save someone, it takes an extraordinary, selfless person to perform under those circumstances. As they continually give us a great source of community pride, these personnel who ensure we enjoy an added level of “freedom from fear” should undoubtedly enjoy our highest level of respect and thanks. Let’s all do our part to make that gesture a reality.

Now, I’d like you to get out a big red pen, go to your calendar, and circle July 16-19. It’s Northampton Community Days Fair time! The 44th annual edition of this fair will take over our Municipal Park, showcasing this wonderful, family-oriented, summertime event once again.

As a must-attend event here in Northampton, Community Days always delivers a wide array of amusement rides and games, concerts, food vendors and other great attractions.

I want to thank our host — Northampton Exchange Club — whose members manage to outdo themselves every year in presenting this entertaining family event. Adding to the excitement, the aforementioned seventh annual Community Days Fireman’s Parade will be held Saturday afternoon beginning 5:30 p.m.

The fair then wraps up with the ever-spectacular fireworks display about 10:15 p.m. Please take some time to stop down at Municipal Park and treat yourself and your family to a night at a true summertime tradition.

For now, have a safe and happy Fourth of July, taking advantage of all our town has to offer in these summer months. From our parks to our pool and playgrounds, enjoy!