The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Our Volunteer Firemen Are Busy

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

26 January 2005

This month the volunteer firemen have been busy. You will see that by looking at all the stories in the paper.

Not only have they been fighting our fires, but they have been checking over equipment, doing the hard job of fund-raising to better their equipment, cooking delicious meals, searching for grants while at the same time keeping up with meetings and training.

It's a full-time job protecting our homes and businesses from the unknown hazards of a fire but we appreciate them so much.

We all appreciate our volunteer firemen and ambulance crews as well, but they are especially close to our heart after calling 911 for their services. It really brings it home.

On behalf of all the people in our small communities, I want to say a great big thanks to all of you wonderful volunteers. We really do think of you every time we hear the whistle blow and the sirens blare.

I think it is especially wonderful what the family of the late Vannie Keever is doing to honor his life and other volunteer firefighters who gave their all. Their huge two-ton granite statue of a firefighter climbing a ladder takes your breath away. I think this monument will be the first memorial in Henderson County.

It's true, don't you think, that we are living in the best place at the right time, with the right people as neighbors. I'm sure you feel the same way.