Tiny fire company, huge public service

My oasis in the storm was North Bailey Fire Hall. After no heat, power, warm food, even coffee for more than 24 hours, Lois and I found ourselves at North Bailey Fire Hall Friday night.

We were greeted by Kathleen, who offered a hot beverage to start and showed where the spaghetti dinner was, our first meal. It was delicious. Firefighter Bill took a brief history to determine if we had any medical concerns the volunteer EMTs should know. He kept a running list off all those present should someone call trying to locate a loved one. As I watched more people arrive, everyone was made to feel welcome and at home. We stayed about two hours; we felt like we were home - good food, heat, good conversation. The hall had volunteers who really cared how we were doing. We left only after promising to return if things got rough.

Even though each volunteer firefighter or auxiliary had the very same concerns and problems we had, the community came first. Hearts as big as all outdoors. I observed one firefighter try to grab a couple of minutes sleep with his head on the table. Another firefighter grabbed a blanket and put it over him. This type of care and compassion was shown to everyone who came into North Bailey's hall. And calls still had to be answered.

Dr. (Supervisor Satish) Mohan, this community should be proud of North Bailey Fire Company; we should count ourselves blessed for every volunteer fire company and not play politics with them.

I truly don't know what we would have done without them during this disaster. They are lifesavers. Thank you seems so inadequate for all they did and all they continue to do on a daily basis. Ellen J. Brown Emerson Drive

Amherst