“Truly the real deal.”

“Two true heroes.”

“Huge shoes to fill.”

“Our community is in debt to you for all you have done.”

The above is just a sampling of our communities’ reactions when the Sun-Gazette reported that Sam and Dawn Astin, two long-time leaders of the American Rescue, are retiring.

We agree with the sentiments — Sam and Dawn’s leadership in addressing the plight of our neighbors facing the greatest challenges has been a monumental blessing to our region. Their selflessness and sense of community service is inspiring.

As the Sun-Gazette’s reporting noted, the two have logged between them a combined 90 years of service. Their hard work has helped the American Rescue Workers grow into an integral part of our communities’ efforts to help people in need of shelter and assistance.

Their ministries demonstrated, parallel to an age of shallow and superficial professions of faith, a true understanding of Christ’s teachings and the mission of the Gospels — an understanding that can enrich even lives and communities that do not necessarily accept the theological underpinnings that motivated their service.

While replacing the two of them will be a daunting task, they have certainly earned both this retirement, and the gratitude of every borough, township and neighborhood in our region.