Since 9/11, a lot of emphasis has been placed on expanding the definition of who qualifies to be referred to as a “hero.” Certainly firefighters, law enforcement officers, medical personnel and others are called heroes. They perform invaluable services for their communities and deserve recognition.

Some of the heroes mentioned above are called “everyday heroes” because helping others is a daily part of what they do. But shouldn’t the term “everyday heroes” be expanded to include just about every member of society who helps others in some way or another? I have in mind people such as clergy and charity workers. And also those who are considered on the lowest portion of society’s “totem pole” of jobs that are not always considered important.

One such group that I have in mind are those individuals who are involved in keeping public buildings such as hospitals and other places as clean as possible. These people are known as janitors or custodians. Nowadays they are referred to as environmental services technicians.

It was my pleasure to work in various cleaning jobs before I had to retire on disability. My favorite company to work for was AnMed Health here in Anderson. I was with them for eight years and saw all kinds of things. One thing that happened to me while I was stationed to clean in the emergency room was being approached by a woman with a rag on one of her hands that had obviously been cut. She had injured herself at home and was trying to find out how to get into the ER. I took her to ER admitting and then she was cared for.

One thing that is important about environmental services at AnMed Health is that the workers try to keep the hospital as clean as possible to prevent the spreading of germs and to prevent other problems

When I began my career after graduating college (yes, I did go to college), I had thought I was going to be a full-time Baptist minister. That never happened although I did get to do some part-time youth work and other ministries. I also finished seminary training.

But I do believe that what I did as a custodian or whatever you want to call it was important.

And those who work in these kinds of positions need to be listed as “everyday heroes” too.

John Ward is a resident of Anderson.