ABOVE and BEYOND.........................

          Thursday night could have been a disaster - but it wasn't.  The reason it wasn't a disaster, but a miracle is because of local folks, and their dedication to what they do.  And to our community firefighters, and their dedication to what they do.  They never receive enough recognition or praise, but do their work to the best of their abilities, regardless of the risk involved.  Our firefighters are all VOLUNTEERS.

          Another reason it was not a disaster is because of the every-day normal local folks who answered the call above and beyond their duties.  There were just the few night-shift employees of a local personal care home.  But what they did helped to turn this disaster into a miracle.

          Around midnight the local fire department received a call of a fire in a nearby personal care home.  This pc home was in what once had been a Presbyterian Church, now home to some 17 residents, most of them elderly veterans.  Some had lived there as long as 20 years.  The pc home was just one block from the fire station.

          It only took minutes for the fire department to arrive, when they did the building was fully engulfed in flames.  BUT -- all 17 residents and employees were safely outside, thanks to the dedication of said employees.  A bus was dispatched to take the residents to the fire hall for shelter.  Within THREE MINUTES of the firefighters arrival the building was gone.

          Claysville firefighters were just a block away, West Alexander and Taylorstown firefighters just minutes away, and were assisted by the Washington area various fire departments. 

          One thing you must remember - Claysville, West Alexander and Taylorstown are all volunteers.  They receive nothing for their service, they gladly give of themselves to help others, whether it be a fire, accident, medical emergency, whatever, they are always there.

          I am on a fixed income and cannot donate to every organization that asks for money, but I do try to donate to my CHURCH and to my FIRE DEPARTMENT.  Where would we be without these?

          Remember to count your blessings and keep all firefighters, whether volunteers or paid, in your prayers.  They need all the help they can get.