The Heroes Among US

To the Editor:
Policemen, firefighters, care providers, EMTs and many others who work to maintain the safety and health of our community make sacrifices daily. They must work nights, weekends, long hours away from home and away form their loved ones. They have a lifetime of continuing education to maintain their skill so they can be forever ready for us when we need it most.
They were there for us on the afternoon of Nov. 7 in Villas when our normally quiet community was rocked from an explosion; suddenly one of our neighbors’ homes was gone. Flames, smoke and debris was everywhere. Our windows cracked and our pictures flew off the walls, but only a few among us with these special skills knew what to do and acted.
The first on the scene was a police officer, firefighter and EMT. These heroes took personal risk and rushed to the scene to provide whatever aid and comfort they could. Someone yelled: “there were people in there!” With shards of glass, spikes of lumber and choking smoke making visibility impossible and the ground so hot from the flames, nothing but their skills and hands, they found the McCartys and pulled them to safety.
Two men carried a victim a full block to the ambulance as there was too great a danger looming to allow the ambulance access. I know not their names, but one. I will say that this father is very proud of his son who was the EMT on the scene that day. He has a compassion for others; a gift that can only be given by God. He has just started his journey in healthcare and no matter where it may end, his dad, understands the hard work, discipline, commitment and dedication it takes to serve others. I am so proud of this young man. I have been blessed with a great gift God has given to me. And now he is giving to others. What more could any father ask for. Thank you my son, and many thanks to all the other heroes among us, police officers, firefighters, care providers, EMTs and concerned citizens.