Imagine it is 6:30 p.m. and you are just sitting down for an evening meal with your family. As the meal is served, you begin to talk with your children about the highlights of their day. The conversation is just getting interesting when you hear the emergency siren in the distance. Without hesitation, your father wipes his face and gets up from the table. He rushes off to the bedroom to grab his keys, says goodbye, and heads to the fire station.

This is the life of a volunteer firefighter. They never know from one incident to another what challenge awaits them. It could be a grass fire threatening cattle or an automobile accident with lives hanging in the balance. They may be rescuing pets from a burning structure or clearing a road from the debris of an accident. Nonetheless, these volunteers set aside their own lives to save the lives and property of their neighbors.

The congregation of East Lake Andes Lutheran Church sponsored a Red Shirt Sunday on October 11 as a way of thanking and honoring these courageous servants. Each one of them has devoted themselves to being unconditionally committed to the welfare of their communities. They do not serve for a paycheck, a promotion, or to become popular. They serve because they love their communities.

Firefighters from Lake Andes, Armour, Ravinia, and Delmont were invited to the celebration. Each firefighter was awarded a certificate of service, and each firehouse was awarded a certificate of distinguished service. In addition, Marvin Gall was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years of service as a firefighter. The day marked the conclusion of Fire Prevention Week and was complete with fire trucks, firefighter suits and gear, and an opportunity for young people to meet local firefighters.

The next time you hear that emergency siren, take a moment to think about these distinguished servants. Allow yourself to feel a sense of thankfulness and gratitude that should you have an emergency, they are willing to offer help at a moments notice. And say a prayer for these local heroes who give of their time and talent to make sure our communities are safe.