Throughout much of the year, we tend to forget how much our firefighters do for us and how important it is that they're there to save us and our homes and businesses when fires break out.
The March 26 Olds council meeting, during which three current and former firefighters -- Gerry Ratke, Lt. Jon Lavoie and Capt. Kelly Andrew -- received awards for their service was a reminder of what they do for us.
Ratke, who retired in 1983 after 30 years of service, received the Fire Services Exemplary Service ribbon for his dedication.
Lavoie, who is also retired, and Andrew were each presented with the Alberta Emergency Services medal for 12 years of service.
The Olds Fire Department is a voluntary unit. These guys and ladies take time away from their jobs as well as much of their off-work hours, to go out to fires and other emergencies and participate in practices -- all to safeguard our community.
As a result, we can all sleep much better at night than we might otherwise be able to.
We also owe local businesses that employ these firefighters a great debt of gratitude for allowing them to take time off work to attend fire scenes, accidents or other incidents. Sometimes that happens several times in one day or shift.
