Long after the dust settles in the world of newspapers and social media, our firefighters and rescue personnel live with each detail of every incident they are involved with.

While we are confronted for a moment with the sad information we read about, most of us can go on with our everyday lives with nothing but a faint memory about what we’ve read and the ability to recall the general details in the years down the road.

Our fire and rescue personnel do not have that luxury. They must deal with the sights, sounds and smells of each event for the rest of their lives. This is no small undertaking, and one that certainly doesn’t get the recognition it deserves — especially when they live in a small town and the likelihood that they’ll be aiding someone they know personally is increased.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who willfully and knowingly put their lives on the line for the sake of others. In Maine, where a lot of fire and rescue departments are composed solely of volunteers, I think we need to be especially diligent in expressing that gratitude.

I am thankful, specifically, to the Sidney Rescue and Fire Departments for their role in the safekeeping of our town. Though they might not always get the recognition they deserve, they are appreciated.

Laura B. Parker

Sidney