It is not every week when violent crime dominates the headlines like it has this week.

It is not every week when a fire, set intentionally, takes a spot on the front page.

Unfortunately, this is the week where both things happened. It is also a week, where we are again reminded how blessed we are with those who serve on the front lines, the first responders who go into situations many of us would run from.

This week, our police officers and deputies faced violence, while our firefighters literally stepped into the fire to battle one that was no accident or act of God.

It is not just a shame such events happened, but in the event of Saturday’s murder of Dematric Lamar Clark, it is a tragedy. It is a tragedy for Clark’s family and our community.

It is for that reason, for the heartbreak of Clark’s family, that we again show and state clearly our full, unbridled support of those who step into the breach each day, each night and each shift.

It is for these reasons, and many more, that we applaud city and county leaders for their investment in our law enforcement and fire departments. It is for these reasons, and many more, that we urge them to continue such investment, not only in the equipment needed to do their jobs but also in people.

That investment must not be met solely with pay raises and benefits, but also manpower.

If we are to hold our first responders to their response time, for their involvement in the community and their preventative efforts, then that accountability must be met with investment.

Will more firefighters and stations cut down on the number of fires? Maybe not, but it will cut down on response time.

Will more police officers and deputies curb the criminal nature in some individuals? No, but it will make those who are intent on committing a crime think twice before committing that crime in our communities.

Nothing would make us happier than pulling the violent and destructive headlines from the front pages of the newspaper or our website’s home page.

But while that crime exists, and those aimed at bringing crime and violence to our community continue their destructive work, we will continue to cover it. At the same time, we will continue to fully support those who wear the uniform and take their spot defending the community we hold so dear.