First responders honored with Forever Stamp in Montecito dedication ceremony

The U.S. Postal service honored firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical professionals who serve communities across the nation with a unique Forever Stamp on Friday.

A special dedication ceremony took place at the Montecito Fire Department Friday morning where community members and the press joined several speakers, including local resident Oprah Winfrey, in honoring first responders from all agencies who assisted in the Thomas Fire and the Jan. 9 mudflow.

“We just want to say thank you for living out loud what it means to be a hero. This stamp is merely a symbol of what the spirit of each of you represents. Each of you represents the best of us, you represent the rising of courage, the rising of honor, the rising of compassion, endurance, survival and thriving,” said Oprah.

The stamp features a firefighter, paramedic, and law enforcement officer in beautiful red, white, and blue colors — the colors of the American flag. All three figures appear to be rushing to an emergency.

Artist Brian Stauffer worked with art director and designer Antonio Alcalá and designer Ricky Altizer to create this stamp.

Dedication ceremonies were also held in other parts of the country.

Watch the entire dedication ceremony below.