Let’s explain.

Dave is a life-long resident of Pequannock Township, New Jersey.

“It’s the kind of small town where everybody knows everybody else,” Dave said. “People look out for each other here.”

Among the many friends he’s made over the years are Gayle and George Douglas and their five children.

“Gayle’s brother was my best friend growing up. I feel like I’ve been a part of that family my whole life,” he explained.

The youngest member of the Douglas family is Colby, a 21-year-old man with Down syndrome. Colby contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to the hospital on April 2. He’d stay for the next 135 days. From the moment he was admitted, Colby’s situation was precarious. He spent the first 70 days on a ventilator. When he finally regained a bit of strength, doctors performed a tracheotomy. Then, slowly but surely, Colby started to heal.

Dave kept up with Colby’s situation, checking in on him and the family often. Dave had also recently been hospitalized with COVID.

“I was only in for three days and I was begging to come home,” Dave recalled. “I can’t imagine what he was going through in there.”

When Dave learned Colby was able to come home, he was overjoyed. He also got an idea.

“Him coming home after all this time was a big deal,” Dave said. “So I figured, ‘Why not try and do something special?'”

Everybody Loves a Parade

In addition to being a claims specialist, Dave’s also a member of the Town Council. When he found out Colby would be coming home on August 13, he made a few calls.

“One thing led to another and the next thing you know, we had quite a thing going,” Dave said.

The “thing” Dave got going was nothing less than a full-blown parade, complete with police car escorts, ambulances, limousines, and fire trucks flashing their lights. And, a crowd of close to 2,000 well-wishers lined the streets to welcome Colby home.

Local TV covered it, and Colby’s story went nation-wide via a TODAY Show interview.

“It was really a great day for the town and for Colby and his family,” Dave said.

That Dave orchestrated such a tremendous outpouring of generosity wasn’t surprising to those who know him.

“That’s pretty much the kind of guy he is,” said his manager, Roger Stites. “He’s always showing that Good Neighbor attitude in everything he does.”

Dave credits State Farm for supporting employees’ charitable efforts. And, he is particularly grateful for the way the company deals with employees impacted by COVID.

When he got out of the hospital, he was out of commission for about 15 days. He was then placed on paid administrative leave while he recuperated. A gesture Dave appreciated greatly.

“State Farm didn’t have to do that, but they did,” Dave said. “That’s the kind of place this is.”

The Kind of Place This Is

State Farm is “the kind of place” where helping others - being a Good Neighbor - is important. It’s recognized and rewarded.

“Here at State Farm we encourage our employees to carry the Good Neighbor Spirit out into their communities as part of our 100 for Good initiative. Dave and his work in the community, and with this parade, is a great example of how employees use that benefit to contribute and make a difference,” said Senior Vice President Annette Martinez. “We could not be prouder.”

Dave has recorded 100 Acts of Good. That earned him an extra paid day to volunteer. Not surprisingly, Dave used that extra day to volunteer at Colby’s parade.

The crash happened in 2013, but the raw emotions of that fateful morning are still real for Gary Catronio and his family. "It's as though we lost her yesterday," said Gary. "The pain never subsides."

Life changed for the Catronios the morning of November 17, 2013. On that day, Gary’s 21-year-old daughter Marisa and her best friend Kaitlyn Ferrante, were traveling home after spending time with friends near the Florida coast. Just before 2AM on the Sawgrass Expressway, a speeding car, traveling the wrong way, crashed into Marisa and Kaitlyn with an impact so forceful, it took both of their lives.

"That day we lost our daughter (Marisa) and our daughter at heart (Kaitlyn)," said Gary. "These beautiful, young souls who brought light and love into the world are gone forever."

"They had bright, promising futures," said Kaitlyn's mom, Christine. "Two smart, strong women whose big dreams were just about to begin."

According to reports, the driver hit the pair head on. Her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. "This tragedy was 100 percent preventable,” said Christine. “No one should ever experience the searing heartache all of us feel every day.”

Making a Change:

Within 24 hours of losing their daughters – the Catronios, the Ferrantes and their friends made it their mission to honor the legacies of Marisa and Kaitlyn. Not only in their homes, but on interstates nationwide. “Our highways must be safer. So we got to work - starting with the Sawgrass Expressway,” said Gary.

In the winter of 2013, the Catronio family began researching how to block wrong way drivers from entering the road. It’s the mission of Marisa’s Way, a foundation created to prevent driving errors. “It starts with enhanced signage,” said Gary. “We investigated how to alert drivers before it’s too late. The problem is, with some entrances, you can’t see the wrong way warning. Sometimes the signs are too high, too far back, or too far apart – which means car headlights don’t hit them at the right angle – so they don’t illuminate.”

Finding a Solution:

In 2014, Marisa’s Way launched a pilot project using flashing LED wrong way signs.

“They’re not cheap and can cost up to $2,500,” said Gary. “But a representative of Traffic and Parking Control Products and Solutions (TAPCO) heard our story and sent us one. That generosity helped get the ball rolling.”

The enhanced LED blinking signs don’t rely on car headlights to illuminate. Instead, the high tech, low maintenance flashing bulbs help catch drivers’ attention and can trigger a 9-1-1 call to local authorities.

“In 2014, we took a 36 x 24 LED sign with us when we lobbied for this technology in Tallahassee,” said Gary. “The sign flashed as I addressed lawmakers on the steps of the state capitol. Shortly after that presentation, the state approved these signs for testing in South Florida. I recommended putting them on the Sawgrass Expressway first.” Next stop? The Florida Department of Transportation.

“Our team used a working sign to demonstrate this technology to FDOT,” said Gary. “When we gave the presentation one of the members said, ‘Gary - can you do me a favor? Could you shut that off? The LED is so bright, I can barely see!’”

That eye catching comment confirmed what Gary had wanted. “This vivid signage CAN get people’s attention,” he said.

SEEING the Impact:

One year after Marisa and Kaitlyn were killed, LED-Enhanced Wrong Way Blinker Signs are installed on the Sawgrass Expressway. According to Marisa’s Way, since then, 41 out of 42 cars turned around because the drivers realized they were going the wrong way. “Our mission is to save as many lives as possible, said Christine. “We do this for all people in honor of our angels Marisa and Kaitlyn. May they never be forgotten.”

Through the support of community members, organizations and companies like State Farm® – Marisa’s Way continues to educate people young and old about the importance of safe driving. “We speak from the heart,” said Christine. “We discuss the frequency of wrong way crashes, explain why you never drink and drive, and demonstrate how the safety sign technology is used on roads and highways.”

"We're not done yet," said Gary. “Our hope is to expand this program nationwide. With community support and awareness, Marisa’s Way will continue saving lives. If everyone makes safe driving decisions – the magnitude of this mission will multiply.”

When duty calls, they respond. When faced with danger, they act. When emergency strikes, they come running.

And they always arrive…on four legs.

They’re working dogs. From police, to military, to search and rescue – their mission is to serve and protect others. While the situations and responsibilities differ, each pooch has the same purpose: Help those in need.

But what happens when these courageous canines need help? Tracy Spader of the K9 Defender Fund found an answer.

“I started the K9 Defender Fund in 2013 out of admiration and respect for the work done by military, police, search/rescue and fire dogs,” said Spader. “These K9’s and their handlers put their lives on the line each day and need to be protected if something goes wrong.”

As the mother of an Air Force Captain, Spader has a deep passion for working dog teams. She’s even opened her home to two military dogs, Buddy and Jig. “It’s a privilege to support the K9’s who work tirelessly to protect us,” said Spader. “No matter the circumstances, no matter the injuries, they’re determined to get up every day and do it again.”

A Kit Fit for a K9

That’s why, four years ago, Spader created the Buddy Bag. With the help of two veterinarians (one of whom spent time with the military), the bag contains supplies specially selected to meet the needs of injured animals.

What’s the cost for a first responder who wants to buy a bag?

Zero dollars.

“Many departments like police and military have experienced budget setbacks. So, the organization donates Buddy Bags to working dog teams in need,” said Spader. “When we provide the bags, I require every handler to give me a verbal ‘YES.’ That means they will work with their veterinarian so they know how to properly use the items found in the Buddy Bag.”

To date, more than 600 Buddy Bags have been donated to first responders in 43 states and areas where the US military is active. While Spader hasn’t heard from every department – she knows the bags are making a difference.

“In Kentucky, an officer and his K9 partner were assisting with an arrest. While stopping the suspect, the dog was injured. Luckily the officer had a Buddy Bag and was able to give aid to his partner at the scene. The dog has made a full recovery and is now back to work. Since that incident, the police department is committed to promoting the use of Buddy Bags,” said Spader.

State Farm is a financial supporter of Buddy Bag program and its commitment to assist emergency personnel. At a recent State Farm Arson Dog training, teams not only detected the presence of accelerants like lighter fluid and gasoline at fire scenes, they also learned how to use the Buddy Bags.

“Many animals in this line of work risk being burned through the course of an explosion, fire or accident,” said Spader. “Rescuers are taught how to administer oxygen, how to perform first-aid for injuries, administer lifesaving drugs and how to use other Buddy Bag supplies.”

So what’s next for Buddy Bags?

“We’re staying busy,” said Spader. “We want to keep supporting K9 units by providing adequate supplies. We’re continuing to fundraise and educate. After all, I’ve seen the difference these furry spirits can make in a person’s life. We need to ensure while keeping others safe, they stay safe.”

To learn more about the K9 Defender Fund or to donate, click here.

Wife Brande works for State Farm Agent Ann Price in Duluth, GA. Her customer interactions help families find solutions that protect what’s important to them.

Husband Tommy is a Deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department in the DUI, Drug, and Veteran’s Treatment Courts. He protects the public by helping people better themselves rather than re-offend. His job is not without risks and Brande recognizes that.

“When people are angry about being in jail they have nothing but time to think of ways to hurt him,” she said. “There have been a couple of instances where I wanted him to change jobs."

To help provide peace of mind to first responder families like the Maloys, State Farm teamed up with the home security company Canary to launch Protect the Protectors. The program donates Canary devices to first responders so they can watch activity in their homes through a smartphone.

“We want to acknowledge first responders for the work they do and dangers they face,” said John Carter, head of communication for Canary. “There’s a person behind the badge and they have families.”

Brande proudly joined 29 State Farm Agents at a September event where home monitoring devices were provided to Gwinnett County sheriff deputies.

“As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have a heightened awareness of the high risks police face on the job. The donation of the Canary devices was gracious and falls in line with our (State Farm) focus on helping life go right.”

Tommy also praised the program.

“Being able to check my phone and see my home and family while I am at work is great,” he said. “The kids may not like it, but I do.”

Extending the Protection

During the very first Protect the Protectors event in December 2015, 400 home monitoring devices were donated to Allentown, PA first responders. Protect the Protectors has since donated more than 5,000 home monitoring devices to police and fire departments.

State Farm employee Josh Boyd volunteered to help distribute devices to more than 300 Irving, TX police officers. It was a special honor for Josh, his dad, Larry, served the citizens of Irving for 12 years as police chief before retiring in 2016.

“At one point my dad stopped being a police officer because my mom was too scared,” Josh said. “But he went back because that’s what he’s passionate about. Officers face risk every day and I am pleased the company I work for has chosen to appreciate them.”

Learn more

To learn more about a Canary special offer for State Farm customers, visit the State Farm Home Protection & Automation website. Homeowners and renters may qualify for the Local Burglar Alarm discount level under the State Farm Home Alert Protection Discount. No documentation of installation is required. Availability and terms of discounts vary by state. Contact a State Farm agent for details.

The reward for good work…is more work. At least for Clare Pfotenhauer. The former police officer retired at 50 and then started a new career. Clare shared, “Retiring at 50 was too young.”

Let’s rewind to June 1988. Clare Pfotenhauer just graduated from the police academy and began her exciting and rewarding career with the Illinois State Police in Chicago.

Her very first night on the job, Clare was called to a traffic crash. What she saw was horrific; an unrestrained child was trapped underneath the dash of an overturned vehicle. “I believed this experience was a sign I should begin working on child passenger safety issues”.

Within several years, she progressed through the ranks and became a Safety Education Officer. For more than 18 years, she conducted child seat inspections, organized traffic safety programming and even ran safety education booths at the Chicago Auto Show and Illinois State Fair. She knew she found her niche in safety education.

Clare was an integral part of the department. In 2011, she was promoted to Sergeant in the Patrol Unit. Just a year later she was transferred to the Public Information Office Safety Education Unit as the Statewide Coordinator.

Clare’s work in the Safety Education Unit gave her the opportunity to focus on community programming. She was involved in a variety of activities including:

• Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician Training, Recertification Classes and Seat Inspections;
• Traffic Safety Programming;
• Safety Education Booth at the Chicago Auto Show, the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin County Fair;
• Lifesavers Conference as a presenter and organizer; and
• Safety Education Officer Conference as a presenter and organizer and press events for holiday emphasis periods

On December 31, 2015, after 27 years of service, Clare retired from the Illinois State Police as the Northern Deputy Chief Public Information Officer. But this hero couldn’t just walk away from what had become her calling.

“I started my career with the Illinois State Police at the early age of 21,” shared Clare. “As a result, I maxed out my time with the Illinois State Police and retired at 50. Now, I’m following my passion, working to improve child passenger and teen driver safety.”

She is now the Child Passenger Safety Coordinator for Cook County and neighboring counties. She also serves as the Regional Traffic Safety Liaison, providing traffic safety programming for teens and seniors at RUSH-Copley Hospital.

Through the efforts of Clare, State Farm, and other traffic safety partners, Illinois is able to provide educational, interactive and engaging traffic safety programming for all ages statewide.

This superhero may have retired but she is still making it her job to save lives. Thanks Clare!

To read how auto safety work like Clare’s saved a young girl’s life, read Saving Leilani.