THANK YOU: Edmonson County Firefighters Volunteer Through Fire Commission, Were Ready To Go To Gatlinburg Fire

by Darren Doyle, Editor:
The horrible fires that ripped through Gatlinburg, TN over the past week are now gone and the aftermath and clean up has begun. Most people don't give tons of thought to firefighters until they're needed, and the need for brave men and women to battle the Tennessee fires were obviously emmense.

Recently, local firefighters have been in the public eye for other reasons and it's been unfortunate for our county, our fire departments, and the many selfless volunteer firefighters and emergency workers that Edmonson County so desperately needs. 

As I've said before, I've followed our local firefighters around many times and at all hours of the night, and from what I've seen, they all need to be applauded and appreciated. 

As the awful Gatlinburg fires began to consume homes, property, beautiful landscapes, and lives, Pigeon Forge fire officials reached out to the Kentucy Fire Commission for help. No one knew what would be the outcome of these horrible fires and Tennessee needed a back up plan.

In turn, the KY Fire Commission began reaching out to local fire departments across Kentucky and they quickly got an answer from right here in Edmonson County.

Firefighters from four different departments, Kyrock, Chalybeate, Wingfield, and Brownsville volunteered their manpower, equipment, and most importantly, their time and effort to make the trip to Gatlinburg, TN and join the fight in the blaze that would eventually claim eleven lives.

They were placed on standby and were ready and waiting should they receive the call. Luckily, for all involved, rainfall came to the area, greatly aiding the fire fight and the Edmonson County volunteers were notified that they wouldn't be needed.

Not only should these departments (and the rest of Edmonson County fire departments) be appreciated by the folks here in our county for their willingness to leave their families, homes, and jobs to help others in another state, but also for being ready to help us right here, everyday, and every night.

We here at the Edmonson Voice tip our caps to all our firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and other volunteers for all you do. We wouldn't do very well without you. We also encourage all our readers to thank these men and women the next time you see them.

Emergency situations are never good, but things get a little better when these folks arrive on the scene. For that, we say "thank you."

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