According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 70% of rural community fire departments in the nation are staffed by volunteers. In checking other sources, we found that about 53% of rural medical emergency services are staffed by volunteers.

During the months of February and March, Independent reporters and editors traveled the region to visit fire halls from Lake Benton to Slayton, and Minneota to Cottonwood. It was a very revealing assignment. Sixteen volunteers —  fire chiefs, firefighters, ambulance drivers, EMTs and a deputy — told their stories. The end result was a 32-page special section profiling these first responders that was inserted in Thursday’s edition. Two of the profiles were published on the front page of that edition.

While many of the interviewed first responders stressed their deep commitment to serving their community, they also told of the many sacrifices:

• There is time away from families. Accidents, health issues and fires occur day and night and sometimes on holidays. Some told of leaving birthday parties because their pager alerted them to a call for help. One firefighter told about the time he drove a fire truck throughout the community on tornado look-out duty. He eventually received a call from the department to return home. He found his family safe, but his house severely damaged by a twister he was trying to locate.

• First responders have to deal with mental anguish as well. Vehicle crashes can be horrific and farming accidents involving neighbors or friends can be difficult.

• Firefighters face the prospect of exposure to various combustion products that can lead to future health issues.

• The training and testing is time consuming.

But our discussions with those 16 heroes also revealed the many benefits of serving as first responders:

• Most fire department volunteers and many ambulance volunteers can qualify for retirement pensions after serving on average 20 years.

• There is a sense of brotherhood among the department members and their families. Firefighters and their family members enjoy the training sessions and get-togethers at the fire hall. One fire chief told how he grew up helping his dad wash fire trucks. And now his young son can’t wait to visit the fire hall and pretend to be a firefighter.

• There is also the proud feeling of serving your community during a time of need. It feels good to get a thank you from a neighbor or a friend for responding to their call for help.

The Independent also thanks all first responders in our communities. Their service is indispensable.

Unfortunately, some of our first responder departments are short on volunteers. Services could be in jeopardy if not enough people step up to the first responder cause. If you have any interest, we urge to contact your local fire hall or ambulance department.

You will be a hero in your community more ways than one.