On Aug. 5, I awoke to a 2:20 a.m. knock on my door. A neighbor alerted me to a fire in our condominium building. I didn’t hear the alarm, although it was loud.

I’m very grateful to my neighbor, but cannot sing out enough the praises of the response of our volunteer firefighters in the middle of the night, with most having jobs to go to that morning, and four police officers. I am handicapped, as are many where I live, so instead of evacuating, I chose to go to my balcony for safety, as did many others.

I saw seven fire trucks arrive, as well as other firefighters in pickup trucks. They made short work of a small fire, but oh my, what peace their appearance gave me. They have such willingness to help with no compensation. I said many prayers for all of them from my balcony, and for the police officers who came. God bless them all.

Please remember to support your firefighters and police officers financially when possible, and to say thanks.

Suzanne Martin

New Kensington

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