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I recently had the misfortune to be ill enough to be admitted to an area hospital by way of our local ambulance company. However, I was fortunate enough to have the benefit of one of the finest ambulance companies in the Valley.
In a matter of minutes, a group of people were at the door, securing me and taking me to the hospital. I remember four men who looked like they could rival New York City firefighters, others of whom might have been EMTs, including a lovely young woman. They, along with our illustrious mayor, got me to the hospital without my realizing what was going on.
Swoyersville ambulance, too, had answered the call and was ready. As a matter of fact, these young men were also firemen, were still in their equipment and had just left the scene of a fire. It’s during these rare times that we realize how vital these volunteers are to our community. They don’t make the six-figure salaries that their brothers make in the big cities, but they are just as dependable.
I’ve heard statements from people such as, “Well, they like that kind of work.” Well, I hope so, otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to buy fire insurance, mortgage your home and sleep soundly knowing that someone would soon be there in the event of a fire, accident or sickness.
When things go tragically wrong, as they sometimes do, they’re left with sadness and even guilt.
Yes, I’m talking about West Wyoming Hose companies No. 1 and No. 2 and the associated ambulance services. But, wherever you live, please think about these volunteers.
In fact, all volunteers deserve our thanks and respect: those who staff the food banks, the soup kitchens, the homeless shelters.
If you get a request for a contribution, double what you were going to give. They need equipment and the funds to maintain it. Give up one or two restaurant meals a year, or trips to the casino, for these wonderful people. Why? They give up meals with their families, football games and time with their children, trading a warm bed in the middle of the night for icy roads, freezing weather and a blast of adrenalin that will probably throw off sleep cycles for days.
Volunteers help make life worth living. Do you volunteer?
If you don’t, don’t feel guilty, just contribute instead. We will all be the better for it.
Deanna Innamorati Farrell
West Wyoming