Carbon County officials recognize the importance of direct support professionals who care for people with disabilities.

On Thursday, the Carbon County Commissioners adopted a proclamation naming Sept. 7 through 13 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in the county.Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard read the proclamation before presenting it to representatives from The ReDCo Group.The proclamation states that "a direct support professional must build a close, trusted relationship with an individual with disabilities ... assists an individual with disabilities with the most intimate needs, on a daily basis ... provides a broad range of support, from preparing meals and helping with medications to transporting them to school, work and other activities ... and are the key to allowing an individual with disabilities to lives successfully in the community.""It takes special people to do the work you do," Gerhard said. "Thank you for a job well done."Commissioner Wayne Nothstein, chairman, addressed the group, thanking them for all they do."You really are gifted people," he said. "I want to thank you for the job you do working with these individuals to help improve their quality of life."Commissioner William O'Gurek echoed his colleagues' sentiments."I think anytime someone has the opportunity to help someone feel good about themselves and show that they are loved, that it is a great thing," he said. "You make their lives more meaningful and special to them."Caroline Nannay of ReDCo said that the proclamation was a nice gesture by the county."It's nice to be acknowledged for the things you do," she said on behalf of the group.ReDCo is a company that provides to support to people with life challenges and disabilities in 12 counties throughout the state. There are approximately 20 individuals in Carbon County serviced by the group.In other matters, Gerhard said that the firing range near the Carbon County Correctional Facility in Nesquehoning is nearing completion.It should take a few more days of work. Services, equipment and materials for the project have been donated.The range will be used a few weeks a year by county corrections officers, the sheriff's department, adult and juvenile probation, and the Nesquehoning Police for certification purposes.