'The Most Humble And Respectful Young Men': Burlington Heroes

BURLINGTON, MA— When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Deanna DiSipio who nominated Jake Desantis and Joe Morgan of Burlington.

Name: Jake Desantis and Joe Morgan

State: MA

Home town: Burlington

Hero's job: Jake is a Burlington Police Officer and Army Veteran. Joe is currently an Army Ranger.

Relationship to nominee: Jake and Joe are former students at Marshall Simonds Middle School

Reason for recognition: Joe and Jake rucked in honor of Veterans Day. The two of them, by themselves, with the help of the Burlington community have raised over 6,000 dollars in only two days. The money is being donated to Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Foundation.

One thing to know: Jake and Joe are two of the most humble and respectful young men. I know I am not the only member of the school district that feels this way about them. Jake rucked 22 miles from Tewksbury Police Dept to BPD then to Seaport. Joe rucked in Georgia, where he's stationed.

Since Deanna submitted the nomination, Jake and Joe's fundraiser rose to over $13,000 raised. Thank you for all you do, Jake and Joe!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across Massachusetts here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.