Firefighters from Wagner, Lake Andes, Ravinia, Armour, and Delmont were invited to an event designed to honor them for their courage and thank them for their service to the local community. The event is called Red Shirt Sunday and is a joint event sponsored by East Lake Andes Lutheran Church and Armour Community Church. The church was full from front to back as community members celebrated and prayed for the firefighters in attendance.

When the sirens go off in a community, these farmers, teachers, bankers, plumbers, parents, and husbands set aside their normal activities to assist community members in need. We realize this commitment and thank them for their efforts. However, what is often not recognized is the hours of training these firefighters go through on a regular basis so they will be ready to respond when that siren sounds. Such a commitment to community service and neighborly assistance warrants our respect and thanks.

In addition, the spouses and children of these courageous volunteers also make sacrifices for the sake of their community. They not only give up time with a spouse or parent, they also allow their loved one to put themselves in harms way for the welfare of others. Given this fact, the churches also thanked and honored the spouses and children of these firefighters. Each firefighter was given a certificate of honor and a Casey’s gift card. The spouses also received a Casey’s gift card and the children received gift bags filled with candy.

The next time you hear that siren go off within your community, pause and remember these brave heroes. Give thanks for their service and pray that they might be protected from harm as they serve their neighbors and friends. After all, should we ever find ourselves in need, they will be present to offer a helping hand.