Each Wednesday, L’Observateur recognizes individuals and businesses in the River Parishes who have gone “above and beyond” in their efforts to make this a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.

We believe an integral part of a community’s wellbeing is an attitude and arena where people who do good things … who work to improve life for others … who try to make a difference … are recognized and saluted.

Because this is a salute to members of the community of the entire River Parishes, we solicit your recommendations for groups or individuals.

This week we salute:

• The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office and Professional Firefighters Association for their efforts to raise awareness and participation in Sheriff Wayne Jones’ annual Christmas toy drive with a flag football game. The teams raised money and collected toys to go toward the program. The game, which was won by the firefighters, was the first of many events planned between the two groups.

• The Garyville Fire Department for retaining its Class 3 Rating for 2010 with the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana. Criteria for the rating includes the quality of a department’s communications, trainings and equipment, how well a department is staffed and whether the area’s water supply is sufficient for fighting fires. The department has held the rating since 1994.

• Freeman Rose, a resident of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve who keeps busy by painting large murals at the home. Rose is currently working with another Louisiana artist to create Maze of Murals, a Louisiana-themed art exhibition.

• River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace for earning the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval by demonstrating compliance with national standards for healthcare quality and safety. The commission performed an unannounced survey on the hospital in May.