Today is National Cheeseburger Day, and while you're out enjoying one of Texas' favorite meals, it's the perfect time to honor the public employees who make our communities safer and stronger. Whether it's a firefighter, teacher, police officer, or another first responder, there are simple ways to show appreciation. Plus, several Texas restaurants offer deals you can take advantage of if you're a public employee or treating one! Here's how to celebrate and make the most of the day.

There are an estimated 15.1 million full-time and 4.7 million part-time employees working in state and local governments in the U.S., according to the 2020 Annual Survey of Public Employment and Payroll, the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Census Bureau. 

When families gather for the holidays, workers nationwide often get time off to spend with loved ones. That isn't always the case for thousands of public employees who work as first responders. The holidays can be a stressful time for those in law enforcement and firefighting. In fact, the holidays often result in higher numbers of incidents as folks strive to create festive memories. Yet, most first responders stay on the job despite the stress of the holidays and beyond.