Everyday heroes

They sometimes get up at 3 a.m., no matter the weather, without hesitation to save the property and life of another. They run into a burning building when all others run out. They are the members of your volunteer fire department and they deserve our respect and admiration.
It's because they are always on call and devoted to the job they do, that you can sleep soundly at night and know they are just a phone call away.
They are well trained, but they are human.
Attending the Fireman's Ball in Norris Arm on Jan. 30 left an impression on me. These firefighters accept the risk without pay and go above and beyond volunteerism. Sitting next to and across from these individuals, you feel honoured.
No one knows what they see and what turmoil our firefighters go through when they arrive on the scene of a fire or an accident, especially like the snowmobile accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old Norris Arm girl on Jan. 29. No one knows what those firefighters took back home with them that day and I have no doubt that those memories will stick with them forever.
Not only do these individuals have to take in consideration those involved in a fire or an accident, while tending to wounds or the removal of an occupant, but they also have to pay close attention to those nearby - whether it be travellers on a busy highway or the threat of a jumping fire to a nearby household.
It takes a special person to arrive at the scene of an accident, remain clam and do their job. However, those individuals surround us everyday and keep us safe. From our local RCMP officers to our paramedics - they are always ready to respond, no matter the situation.
It's humbling and it's an honour to walk among these people in our communities. To me, they are the everyday heroes.