Having spent more than twenty years working with radio stations in Southern California it is frightening to watch the wildfires destroy homes, neighborhoods, and lives. From Santa Monica to Pacific Palisades to the beautiful drive up through Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway I react with the perspective that I’ve been there and have friends there.

A reminder: the recent wildfires in Southern California show us that with every event heroes emerge.

Actor James Wood shared the story of his 94-year-old neighbor being rescued from his home.

Mel Gibson’s home was destroyed by fire but shared the perspective of his Christian faith and gratitude that his family had been spared.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

Fred Rogers

Sure, those are the big news making events but what does this mean for your station on a typical day?

For every 9th caller to win a family four-pack of cardboard there is a hero.

With every mom or dad trying to surround their children with positive influences there is a hero.

With every routine traffic accident, with every mundane weather report, with every insignificant time check, someone is being a hero.

But we forget, don’t we?

Our radio stations will be just as mundane as we choose to make them. Or we can look for the heroes and share their stories.