Everyday heroes saved home

The dictionary defines fortitude as “mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger or temptation courageously” and mettle as “courage and fortitude.” These two words are extremely apt descriptions of the Volunteer Firefighters in our area. These folks are just everyday people that live next to you and me and have normal jobs, families, pets, and hobbies, plus a deep desire to help others.

During the Barker Canyon-Leahy Junction fire, I was ordered to evacuate. Leaving Tom behind was hard for me to do but as part of the Douglas County #3 Fire District he had no intention of leaving.

I left because I had no choice, never in my wildest imagination did I really believe that our home was in any danger and so I came on to town. When it was all said and done, we almost lost our home and at one point, they did think it was a goner and had headed away from it to safety. Thank God for the firefighter who said “Come on, I think we can save it!”

The rest is history, they did save our house and I humbly thank each and every one of the firefighters that worked so hard to protect not only us but many of our neighbors.

Do you know a Volunteer Firefighter? Give them a hug, say “thanks” and offer up a prayer for their safety as they stand between ‘devastation and happiness’ for no other reason than they embrace fortitude and mettle, and, as my husband said when I had to leave him behind, “It’s just what we do.”

Thank you and

God bless you all,

Charlene Fountain