There to answer the call

This past weekend saw members of the Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department enjoying themselves during their annual ball and banquet, Saturday evening at the VFW. Awards were given out, each with its own prestige, including Fireman of the Year and Master Chef, along with pins for years of service with the department.

It was a night for the firefighters, along with their significant others, to enjoy themselves. Just a few days later put them to work with an early morning house fire which took 20 personnel and four hours to extinguish. It’s in these latter moments we see these men and women who go about their daily routines — going to work, shopping, raising children — step up for others in the community.

Aside from rushing to blazes that threaten homes and lives — not just here but in surrounding communities — members of the department are out educating the community and helping in other ways, most visibly the Fill the Boot campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

This past year also saw some live fire demonstrations, during the Pageant Days, Kiwanis Craft Fair and Big Horn Basin Folk Festival in Hot Springs State Park and the 21 Days of Christmas kickoff at Bicentennial Park.

And of course, fires, their effects and seeing firefighters in action always make for some of the more dynamic pictures in our paper.

We at the Thermopolis Independent Record would like to express our gratitude for those who make the volunteer fire department possible — not just those recognized at the Saturday banquet, but everyone who has ever stepped up to protect the people, homes and businesses of our community.

Also, a word of appreciation to the supervisors, managers and other professionals who allow their employees the time they need to not only battle the blazes but attend the Tuesday training sessions necessary for them to remain on the department and doing their jobs with competency.

Thank you all for answering the call.