By Randy Garrison

Hartselle Mayor

Early last Friday morning I heard the sound of several sirens between 5:30 am and 6:00 am. I checked my phone and saw a house fire had been called in to 911. The address was on Bethel Road. I checked social media to find out that our Police Department has posted about a house fire on Bethel Road near the intersection of Bethel and Main. From the photo posted on Facebook I recognized the house and knew young children could be involved.

While getting ready for work I heard what I thought to be an explosion. That was a real concern because I knew several of our firefighters, paramedics and policemen would have responded to the fire. Around this time, I also heard that first responders had been injured at the address of the fire call.

I hurriedly finished getting ready and drove to the fire.  Upon arriving I found that the address of the fire was the one I had thought it to be. The police officers and firemen at the scene shared what had happened with the fire and the folks who lived there. When the police arrived, they found young occupants of the home outside, but two were still inside the structure which was heavily engulfed with fire. They were able to help the two remaining occupants out of the home while firemen arrived and began to fight the fire.

While the firefighters worked to contain the fire, an explosion occurred, which was determined to be an oxygen tank. While this could have resulted in several being injured, after being checked out two paramedics and a volunteer fireman were treated and released.

Our police, firefighters, both paid and volunteer and paramedics are quick to give aid in any situation. Police arriving on the scene jumped into action to help two adults escape from a home in flames without a second thought. Firemen work without thought of what could happen to control a fire and give the best possible effort to save the home that is in danger of being consumed by flames. Many times, they are rushing into a burning structure to make sure all occupants have left the fire without concern to their own well-being.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV) This verse of scripture comes to mind when thinking about the men and women who choose to serve as police, firefighters and paramedics. Each of these put the needs of their fellow man and those they have chosen to serve and protect a head of each of their needs. Many times, action has to be taken which could easily put their own life in danger. But, each one jumps into action and gives their all to save life, limb and property.

Please join me in thanking and showing appreciation to all of our first responders. First to be on the scene and first to give their all to put another’s needs ahead of their own, at times even risking their own well-being. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers as you all leave the safety of your homes to keep all us safe and protected.