We’ll thank Thomas Harrison, even if some others won’t.

Harrison showed tremendous selflessness this past June by stopping to aid an injured boy, whom he had spied along the roadside in Mexico. Tyler Richard, 9, had accidentally shot himself in the chest with a .38-caliber handgun he had inexplicably found in his grandfather’s couch, while he was left alone

In rural Maine, where nearest neighbors can be miles away and nobody might drive by for hours, this story could have ended tragically. Instead, Harrison happened, going from quiet contractor to public hero in the process.

Although Harrison is a hero, his actions on Swift River Road weren’t quintessentially heroic. He neither braved dangers in saving Tyler, nor has tales of derring-do about his trip from the Richard house to Rumford Hospital.

Harrison is a hero because he acted as everyone could, when somebody needs help.

Often, public praise is heaped upon rescuers for superhuman efforts in life-saving circumstances. Though Harrison did happen to save a nine-year-old boy’s life, other mundane, everyday opportunities – helping a stranded motorist, for example, or someone laden with groceries at the market – are just as worthy of applause.

This concept isn’t new, as the golden rule – do to others, as they would do to you – is well-known. Knowing the rules, however, doesn’t guarantee everyone plays. How often are chances to help passed up, or ignored?

Harrison’s noble act should make anyone think twice before considering doing so.