Good article Lee - although you are highlighting the crews that fixed the water main break quickly, which people are vividly expressing that it is "their job", I believe your main point here is just being grateful for those who ARE DOING their jobs to make OUR lives easier or "getting back to normal".  It shouldn't matter if it's the BWS crews, HPD, HFD, EMS, your waiter/waitress, custodians who clean up after you in the office or school, customer service reps who have to listen to all the bitchin', etc. EVERYONE should be thanked for "doing their jobs".  If they didn't "do their jobs", then who would end up doing it? You?  Yes some do not do their jobs or don't belong in the job they're in and yes we complain when things don't go the way "it's supposed to" but to those who "do their jobs" and many who do it well, gratitude goes a long way and everyone feels good when a "thank you" or "great job" is expressed.