Why Support The Thibodaux Fire Department? By Lee and Andree Cortez
Like most members of our community, my family makes the annual trip to the Fireman’s Fair in an effort to support the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department. Due to our busy lives, we show our support by eating a couple of fair burgers and spending a few hours allowing our children to ride the fair rides. Prior to the 2012 fair, we felt as if that was enough. However, in early 2012, a lightning strike ignited a fire which engulfed the attic of our home in flames. Although the odds of this happening are greater than winning the lottery, you never think this could happen to you.
Fortunately, my family and I were able to escape unharmed, but flames were visible as we exited our home. That’s when our call to 911 was made, putting our volunteer fire department into action. What seemed like an eternity was literally only 2 minutes!! Firemen dressed in street clothes were in action before the fire trucks arrived at the scene, ensuring that everyone was safe and out of the house. Minutes later, our home was being doused with water; the fire had been contained. In the days following the fire, an inspection indicated that the structure was on the verge of collapsing. The quick, coordinated, and organized effort that was demonstrated by our volunteer firemen that night undoubtedly prevented a total loss of our home and our possessions.
In the wee hours of the morning, during a horrid lightning and thunder storm, 70+ men had all left their families and warm, dry beds to help a stranger in need...voluntarily. Each one of them put their own lives in danger for my home, my possessions, and my family! These are the guys that showed up for work the next morning after only a few hours of sleep. They are everyday men that lead everyday lives and at the sound of a beeper, risk their lives without asking for compensation or a salary!
The Thibodaux Volunteer Department is truly unbelievable, and their services are indescribable! Until you actually have to call upon their services (and I pray that you never will), you will more than likely never understand what a great and professional organization they are! TOP NOTCH! I hope that you can live vicariously through my experience and trust that support of such a wonderful group is necessary for our community. They are truly a wonderful fire department and are in need of our support. Without the money raised at the Fireman’s Fair, the extensive training and high quality equipment necessary to fight fires safely and efficiently would not exist.
This weekend, it is our duty to support the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department by showing our appreciation of their community service, because when called upon, they will be there to SERVE US.
