LAPLACE — Last year, L’Observateur headed its first annual &#8220Teacher Appreciation Program” when we joined with local businesses to say &#8220thanks” to area educators in a real way.

We handed out checks of $250 each to top educators in the area, who had been nominated by family, friends, students or fellow workers.

Now we want to offer that same thanks to our &#8220First Responders” in this area. These are the law enforcement officers, firemen, EMT’s or any emergency responders who do so much for us all, but probably aren’t always appreciated in the way they could be.

Once again, L’Observateur will donate 50 percent of the proceeds of an advertising campaign in the next two weeks to as many of these men and women who offer us the protection and emergency help we all depend on.

To join the campaign, you can buy advertising space on the special pages where we will feature these special people. Call 652-9545 and ask for an advertising representative to find out how.

But we also want you to nominate any first responders who you think have been special. Simply write a short bit of information about why this person is so special, and send to &#8220L’Observateur First Responders,” P.O. Box 1010, LaPlace, La., 70469. Or you can e-mail them to Publisher Kevin Chiri at kchiri@bellsouth.net.

We will be giving out checks for $250 each to as many of these people as possible, as well as highlighting them on some special pages supported by area businesses and individuals.

Please respond soon since our deadline for nominations and advertising is Thursday, March 23 at 5 p.m.