Editor: I feel strongly moved by our 91原创 firefighters. This has caused me to write my first-ever letter to the editor.

In my 31-year career as a paramedic, 20 of them have been spent working alongside the two 91原创 fire departments. This experience allows me to say that they are second to none. They are a total pleasure to work with.

It give me a great sense of security to know that they are there within the chaos. A firefighter saved my life on an emergency response, by preventing me from stepping off a four-storey building in the night hours.

When I found a friend not breathing while I was off-duty, it was the full-time firefighters from 91原创 Township who were the first to arrive. With the necessary training and equipment, there was a successful resuscitation.

Having a front row seat and watching the firefighters in action has shown me that no job is too big or small. There is always care and total commitment towards the person in need.

I received a day of firefighter training from 91原创 Township to give me an insight into their work. Crawling through a building full of smoke or standing on a building with flames shooting upwards did not inspire me to want to be a firefighter. Going up in the air on a ladder truck didn鈥檛 help matters.

When I rode along with a fire crew, it was a chance to see their dedication towards their responsibilities. They always review their studies in order to remain current and sharp with skills needed for future responses.

Losing 91原创 City firefighter Ron Dunkley through a tragic accident displayed how great a hole is left when one of the team is no longer there.

Emergency service personnel give back to their communities by providing services at many events. Our fireighters are at many local 91原创 events and thus give back to the community.

I would like to ask 91原创 City and 91原创 Township councils to proclaim a 鈥淔irefighter Appreciation Week鈥� each year. This would be a great way for the community to say thanks and show respect.

The next time you see a firefighter, shake hands and tell that person 鈥済ood job done.鈥� They deserve it.

Vincent Ford,

91原创