REFLECTIONS
It’s finally time that we as Minnesotans can thank our local fire departments for providing us with a safe environment in our small towns.
Local fire departments, sometimes many are volunteer, can only survive with the support of their residents.
Ellendale and Blooming Prairie fire departments held two separate fundraisers last week and received an overflowing element of support, both financially and by personal thank yous.
Food always brings people out, and that was the case with these two departments. Medford recently had a tremendous turnout for a pancake breakfast.
People are finally shedding that COVID fear and are eager to get back into their community.
These firefighters make quite the sacrifice by putting their lives in harm’s way on occasion. It’s because of the public support that fire departments receive proper training and have the latest in firefighting equipment.
That’s where you and I come in. We go to our pocketbooks and attend a local fundraiser. The gift is in the fact we are getting an immeasurable life insurance policy by having a fire department willing to protect us.
These volunteer firefighters are often business people, and they leave their source of income to help you and me.
It’s refreshing to see families attending these fundraisers. The kids, at an early age, can learn how safe their community really is. Blooming Prairie firefighter Mike Hoffman was at the fire hall entrance collecting freewill offerings and sticking them in his boot for safe keeping.
Hoffman also called attention to the many retired firefighters who were in the audience. They surely deserved the public attention.
You are paying for the protection and deserve the opportunity to learn more about how your department operates.
Stop by the fire department and you might catch a volunteer at the hall. Otherwise, wait for another fundraiser to be held. October is also Fire Prevention Month, and our kids are given a chance to visit their department during that time.
Both departments, Ellendale and Blooming Prairie, reported excellent results from their fundraisers. They say THANK YOU, and you should, too!