Appreciating firefighters for extinguishing, preventing fires

Where would we be without the courage and commitment of our first responders? They make us safer, all the while putting themselves in danger. Firefighters are among the finest of those responders, and on Oct. 6, Cape Girardeau Friends of Public Safety hosted Firefighter Appreciation Day in front of a large crowd at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

For Fire Prevention Week last week, Cape firefighters conducted drills in public and private schools, from day cares to high school, to make sure that, if the worst should happen, everyone would be evacuated within 2 minutes. They also taught fire safety tips, as firefighters would much rather prevent fires than put them out.

Too often, we do need to call upon them, however, and we appreciate that they put their lives on the line to answer that call. The event brought people together to recognize that sacrifice. Doug Austin, member of the Friends of Public Safety, recently told the Southeast Missourian's Samantha Rinehart, "This is to pay respect and honor to the men and women of our fire department who risk their lives on an almost routine basis on our behalf."

Participating in the event through song was the Alma Schrader Elementary Choir; Laurel McClellard added to the music by playing the bag pipe; Boy Scout Troop 5 participated in a flag ceremony; Mayor Harry Rediger read a proclamation declaring the day Firefighter Appreciation Day; and speakers showered the first responders with words of gratitude.

Current and retired members of the Cape Fire Department were among the honorees. And both the young and old were present to do the honoring and to show appreciation.

Observances such as Fire Prevention Week, which aims to prevent fires, and events such as Firefighter Appreciation Day, which endeavors to pay tribute to firefighters, go a long way to promote respect for what it takes to keep our communities safe.

We thank and appreciate our firefighters for all they do when we need them most, and for all the work they do to be prepared for those situations.