Thank You Volunteer Firefighters & EMTs!
By Rachel Brandes
Submitted April 16, 2008
Not enough thanks are given to our local volunteer firefighters and EMTs for the countless hours of time that are given to the residents of this valley. I have had the opportunity to meet these volunteers through both personal and professional experience.
Just last Thursday when I received word that the Stagecoach Depot was burning to the ground I arrived to find the Moapa, Bunkerville, Overton, and Logandale Volunteer Departments looking exhausted. I soon learned that they had all been on the scene of the fire since just before 3:00 a.m. This was 30-some volunteers that had been called out of bed early in the morning leaving their families to provide protection for others.
I spent a bit of time talking to these volunteers and learning a bit about them. These men and women were out in this particular call for nearly 12 hours on Thursday. Then many of them headed to jobs or to the Fair to work their volunteer posts for the day.
Some went on to watch their kids show livestock and perform at the Fair. I had the opportunity to speak with one volunteer later that day at the Fair, he was watching his daughter in a competition. I noticed that at times he could barely keep his eyes open, but he did and he supported his daughter well into the evening.
This volunteer told me that he chooses to volunteer because it sets a good example for his kids. I hope he realizes that it sets a good example for all of us.
These men and women do not get paid for what they do. They do it out of a sense of pride and loyalty to their community and that is touching to me. When we dial 911 and need help, these volunteer respond. It may not always be as fast as we would like. But I don’t think that many realize that these volunteers have paying jobs as well. They leave their paying jobs to come when we are in need. They do not have the luxury of sitting at the station waiting for a call to come out.
Just two years ago I experienced their help and when it was all said and done, I can’t honestly say that I thanked them for their help. I think in a time of crisis we forget to say thank you. So THANK YOU to those who helped when my family needed you. Thank you for leaving your family to help mine and for being so professional in the process.
If you have been served by one of these volunteers remember to say thank you and to appreciate that we have so many generous people in this valley that are willing to do what they do!
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