An alert citizen journalist who reported two sleeping security guards on the vitally important George Washington Bridge in September 2009 may have saved many lives by simply taking a picture and posting it on a website.

Joey Lepore, who owns a bicycle touring company and often crosses the bridge on his bicycle, noticed the two security guards fast asleep - and on several occasions. Concerned about the safety of the tens of thousands who cross the bridge every day, he snapped several photos of the sleeping sentries and posted them on a local news website (cliffviewpilot.com).

Next, the story was picked up by the local Fox television station (MyFox New York) and then by Fox News (24-hour cable news). A few days later, the Port Authority was forced to take action and terminate the guards.

It was all done with a digital camera, a popular local news website and a little effort by a citizen who cared.

Was it important? I think so. After all, the George Washington Bridge crosses the Hudson River, connecting Manhattan, N.Y., with Fort Lee, N.J., and is considered one of the busiest bridges in the world, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. According to the Port Authority, nearly 108 million vehicles crossed the bridge in 2007. That's why law enforcement people consider it a prime target of terrorists.

Is there something happening in your community that doesn't seem quite right? Maybe it is something being done by a government agency, a business, an industry or an individual.

Follow the example of Joey Lepore and have your digital camera (video or still) ready and take some pictures. Post your results on a website. Who knows what might happen because you, a citizen journalist, are watchful and ready to take action.