Thank Public Servants

In this column I want to remind my readers, again, the value and importance of thanking those in public service every chance you get.

In this business we here at The News respond to various calls on fires, wrecks, vandalism, weather, and any other call that peaks our interest. We get to see first hand who is on the scene of the accidents, who shows up to fires, and deputies and police that show up.

I was called to a fire Sunday week and upon arrival took in all of the people who had responded. It was Sunday afternoon, and my lazy day, when most people I assume would be resting or just getting finished up from lunch after church.

Here it was a beautiful Sunday, and there were at least four fire trucks initially, plenty of volunteers, Jarrett Slocumb, county fire chief (who is at every accident, wreck, fire and medical call I have ever been too, and should be commended every chance you get!).

Well be as it may Sunday a week ago I got a call, but not from the scanner but on my cell phone.

I had worked all night Saturday night and was at Ingles getting some Sunday snacks.

It was my Mama, Kathy, saying that there was a fire call on Apt-to-Miss road and could I go.

I groaned as I was tired and a fire was the last thing I wanted to see on my only day off for the week. I realized then that my family lives off of Apt-to-miss, in ‘Popeville’ so I was more willing.

I was with my wonderful neighbor Lauren, and her daughter, who is absolutely adorable and growing up too fast, and she was excited to “chase a fire for The News.”

We had to go by the office because the best camera was there and headed out Hwy. 16.

Upon arrival I realized that it was indeed my Aunt Linda’s house that had caught fire and was grateful to hear that she and Connie were both safely out of the house.

When approaching these things many people hate, I mean hate to see a camera. So I snapped a few shots, and then took in the entire scene.

There were a number of volunteers like I said bringing water and carrying hoses.

There were numerous firefighters, in full gear, going through a number of tanks of oxygen. They were all in and out of the house, trying to salvage what they could while getting the fire out.

Yes, on Sunday afternoon when it would have been easier to ignore the tones and the page, to be on the couch watching Nascar…they all showed up.

These people, both men and women, never cease to amaze me and I am thankful for them each and every day.

I know that in Monticello and Jasper County if tragedy were to strike I’d have the best public servants, leaders, fire-fighters, deputies, and even the wrecker drivers on my side at a moment’s notice.

Thank you all, so so so much for your hard work. It is all too often unappreciated.