Our Opinion: Agencies put in excellent performance
Tuesday, November 6, 2007 10:46 AM PST
They do not often gain the kind of recognition they deserve, but area emergency services agencies are a key cornerstone of our community.
Nothing illustrated that theme more than the response Friday to a major fire in downtown Vale.
More than 70 firefighters from Ontario, Nyssa, Weiser, Payette, Fruitland, New Plymouth, Adrian, Parma, Emmett and Midvale responded to the blaze.
The massive response revolves around mutual aid agreements, but the very fact officials in the past held the foresight to develop such a program shows a unique kind of versatility.
The program also demonstrates the area boasts firefighters that can effectively cope with a large-scale emergency and are fully capable of handling a series of serious situations with success.
As it was, the damage to an apartment complex in Vale was serious, but firefighters managed to keep the flames from devouring a city block.
That kind of skill and fast response deserves a special kind of recognition.
The firefighters that responded to the Vale blaze Friday did an outstanding job. Their commitment to excellence, their dedication to cooperation inspires confidence.
They often do not gain the recognition they deserve.
But they should.
Area firefighters demonstrated they can tackle a serious crisis with confidence.
That should be good news to everyone in our community.
