To all the volunteer firemen out there, a big think you.

I live in Ferguson Canyon, 10 miles SE of Newcastle WY. I knew there was a fire on near by Elk Mountain but didn’t pay too much attention. Fires in the Black Hills every summer.

So I take a nap in the hot part of the day, waking up to find Volunteer Firemen from a near by community, (Hill City SD) walking around my place, mapping out the area, buildings, water points, and such, just to be ready.

Sure enough, a few hours later, slurry bombers are dropping fire retardant on my property, the County Home Land Security and Sheriff's is calling everyone in the Canyon telling us we need to leave. So I round up my horses and dogs while Wife and Step –Daughter are loading the cars to ferry to town.

I’m wasn't really worried, I’ve been through this before. Last time about 8-10 years ago, I left and a fire unit was stationed at every house in the canyon. This time is no different. They help me load up, then stay to protect property. It’s 100 degrees (without the fire). Smoke so thick you can’t see 25 feet.

I head to the fairgrounds to pin up my horses and set in my Air Conditioned Camper while these Volunteers stay out here fighting fires and foaming any building that starts smoking.

There are 16 families in this area right in middle of the fire, not one dwelling was hurt, one old dilapidated barn is the only building burned. Trees and grass destroyed but NOT ONE DWELLING.

The Feds are out here too, setting back fires just before a wind change and the VFD’s putting out the back fires they start to protect the homes.

All the Credit goes to Volunteer Fire Departments, (who as I write this are still patrolling the area for hot spots).

I am convinced that God Created Volunteer Firemen so Old Retired Cops can have Heroes

So to all the Volunteer Firemen out there, A big thank you.

Whut he said!!

My Mom died a month ago due to cancer. Prior to her passing she needed to be rushed to the hospital (we didn't have a diagnosis at the time) on 3 occasions. They responded quickly in a very rural area. They treated my Mom great and helped her out so much. My Dad asked that people donate to this Volunteer FD in lieu of flowers. My Dad also made a nice donation.

You will never know how much they are needed, until the day you need them.

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Fidelis Ad Mortem

This is the real America, working together to help each other because we can!

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S&WHF 366

God bless those fireman. We hear so much about bad people that sometimes you think we are all bad. It's nice to here about good people. American hero's. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

I served on a VFD for 6 years in the '60's. Fought mostly grass fires & 2 house fires. Great guys to work with.