On the Twin Harbors, one doesn’t have to look far to find a long list of people who are going above and beyond to help make the world better, at least this corner of it.

We’re asking for your help in filling out that list by nominating deserving people for the newspaper’s annual awards for Citizen of the Year, Police Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year.

Universally, the people who have been honored in the past do what they do with no thought of recognition for their actions. Typically, they’re all but allergic to the spotlight. They help because it’s in their character to help, not because they think someone is watching. But they should be recognized. It inspires others, reminds us that ordinary people do extraordinary things and, if nothing else, it’s a way to thank them.

To nominate someone, all you need to do is send a letter or an email telling us why the nominee deserves the recognition. Past the general notion that the recipients are people who dedicate themselves to helping others, there is no real template or set of guidelines for the awards. In the past, some people have been nominated because of singular recent accomplishments and some for their efforts over the course of many years.

The Citizen of the Year award dates back to 1969. Looking at the list of recipients it’s hard to imagine our communities without their contributions. So, in 2017, we ask your help in honoring the people who make the Twin Harbors a great place to live.

In 1981, the Police Officer of the Year was awarded for the first time and in 1986, the Firefighter of the Year award was inaugurated. The tragic deaths of Hoquiam policeman Don Burke and Cosmopolis volunteer firefighter Denny York were the impetus for the professional awards and a reminder that on any given day, law enforcement officers and firefighters can be called upon to sacrifice everything to keep us safe.

The honorees will be our guests at the Citizen of the Year Banquet on May 11 at the Hoquiam Elks Club. We hope you’ll join us that evening. Information about ticket sales will be coming soon. In the meantime, please help us by offering up a nomination. You can mail it to The Daily World, Box 269, Aberdeen, WA or email it to Karen Barkstrom at kbarkstrom@thedailyworld.com.