Goodnight Irene, and Thank You Local Heros

Hurricane. Not a word many in New England have to deal with on a regular basis. That is a good thing. But when necessary, we come through in style. I am by no means saying it is easy. Nor am I minimizing the sacrifices it takes to get through the results of a near miss hurricane.

So many things have changed since many of us were kids. Everyone likes to point out to youngsters how lucky they are to have the luxuries they have, which they consider necessities. But, did we not bring them to those thoughts, that what they have are necessities? The best thing we can do is show them with our actions how to get through difficulties such as Irene.

Enter our local hero’s. Hello fire, police and public works departments, and sometimes just as important like this week, utility response teams. Who better personifies those who bring us through these stressful situations? Many of our families have connections to these people. Many families are left on their own due to the professionalism and volunteerism of these very people. How lucky are we in the East Bay to have such people right there when we need them?  It warms my heart to see how hard everyone is working to right the problems that have occurred during Irene. It is not all sunshine and roses. There are those that forget everyone is experiencing difficulties. The glory of hard times are the revelations of heros and zeros.

Happy to say there are more heros. We in Warren and Bristol are blessed with two of the best Fire Chiefs in the State. Not only do they take on that task of running their respective departments, they are the EMS Coordinators. Not the case Statewide. They, our Police Chiefs, and DPW Directors do more with less than most towns could ever conceive. From the dispatchers, the first responders, fire and police personnel, and DPW workers, I feel lucky to live in a town that has such a connection to the families that depend so greatly on them.

Many of the vounteers leave thier families and homes which will eventually need attention as well, to help keep everyone else safe. They check on those who cannot help themselves, or depend on electricity for oxygen or other medical equipment. They respond to numerous calls in a very short period of time. The police and DPW are just as responsive with many difficult situations. I was very proud as I watched everyone working together to make things safe and easier for others.

So I wanted to thank all the hero’s in our community, I wanted to make sure, we don’t forget to teach our kids nature is pretty darn cool. It has the ability to amaze, stun and awe. It has the wonderful ability to bring people together and make them shine.