Recognize first responders, support them

They’re regular people, like most of us, but there’s something inside them that makes them want to serve more deeply. They rustle out of their beds at all times of the night; they give many of their free hours to train and learn about the ever-­increasing complications of emergency devices; they maintain their trucks, ambulances and rescue vessels in like-­new condition so they will never fail when called upon; and they organize and join in many of our community celebrations willingly and without hesitation.

For all of this, the volunteers who make up our fire departments receive - ­other than the satisfaction of serving their communities - ­no, or very little, compensation for their invaluable service.

While the Memorial Day holiday rightfully celebrates those who have given their lives in service to the country, it also increasingly offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate service rendered to all of us by first responders such as firefighters, ambulance crews and police officers.

When fires, crashes, storms and other emergencies quickly bring chaos, pain, grief, fear and uncertainty to the routine of our daily lives, these responders bring dedication and training to bear to quell flames, extract injured people, rescue distressed boaters and those stranded by floods, and provide strong shoulders on which to cry.

We join the many who say thank you for all these heroes do for us so selflessly.

This past weekend, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company housed emergency equipment in and dedicated its new station on Route 1. Lewes Fire Department is nearing completion of its new facility at Nassau. The members of these companies never stop trying to improve their facilities, equipment and training so they can serve us better.

What can we do besides say thank you? These new buildings don’t build themselves. Send a check ­- as big as you can afford ­- to help with the construction costs. And when the annual appeal notices come for fire and ambulance services, write another check. Those donations show appreciation and acknowledge the great service we all receive from our first responders.