“Hero” is a word that tends to be overworked, but there are times when its use is appropriate.
It’s the word we would use to describe a Keyser, W.Va. police officer who entered a smoke-filled home Wednesday night after he heard someone was still inside. Arriving before firefighters, he went in alone, found an unconscious woman and pulled her outside to safety.
Keyser Police Chief Karen Shoemaker did not identify him, saying that “This officer, and all of our officers, risk their lives every day in their service to the community and I am very proud of all of them.” In other words, he was doing his job to the best of his ability and upholding the traditions of his service.
Many of our area’s first responders, whether police officers, volunteer or paid firefighters, emergency medical technicians and 911 dispatchers, have done the same, particularly in recent days. The danger of residential fires grows when the weather turns frigid, and numerous homes have been destroyed or damaged by fires in the last week.
Few civilians could imagine the devotion and determination shown by these first responders. They frequently must leave their warm beds in the middle of the night to turn out in sub-freezing temperatures in the hopes of saving people’s lives or property from fire or some other disaster — often working to the point of exhaustion.
That is, unless, they are unfortunate enough to be among the victims of such fires.
A home may be damaged beyond repair, but if a life is preserved, it is a victory for which we have our heroes to thank.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Proud of them
Proud of them
- Opinion
-
-
High priority
Maryland school officials on Tuesday put an exclamation point on the need to take student-athlete concussions more seriously.
-
Why are there no answers to these questions?
We currently have the most corrupt administration in the history of the country. Every day more and more lies come from the Obama administration.
-
Roaming dogs prove menace to some residents of LaVale
I am writing to inform your readers and the animal control staff of Allegany about a problem that is dragging on and unresolved, yet.
-
These types should look to the Boy Scouts for an example
Consider these headlines:
NRA will “Never Surrender.”
The Tea Party will “Never Surrender.”
The No Tax Group will “Never surrender.”
Neocons will “Never Surrender.”
Far Left Liberals will “Never Surrender.” -
Housing project will have bad effect on property in this area
I am writing to you to voice my opposition to a low income housing project that has been proposed for construction on a tract of land on Pine Swamp Road in Mineral County, W.Va. I am a registered voter and resident of Mineral County and live in the New Creek/Pine Swamp area.
-
Why have the media been silent all this time?
When I read the Cumberland Times-News Editorial this morning, Friday, May 17, entitled, “Outrageous,” I laughed like a kid at a birthday party!
-
What are chances this much money will be spent on road?
I was intrigued by cost data summarized in reporter Kathy Mellott’s recent article, “Completing southern link of U.S. Route 219 said to be best use of highway funds,” which appeared in the Cumberland Times-News on Tuesday May 14 (Page 1A).
-
School board should be doing better job with less money
The Allegany County Teachers Association (ACTA) board of directors recently submitted a letter to the editor asking the Allegany County commissioners to fully fund the Board of Education’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year (“Commissioners should fund school board request,” April 29 Times-News).
-
Better ‘Click It’
If you notice more police on the highway this week, it’s for a couple of reasons.
-
Were they really good old days? You decide
When a fellow gets old, it’s not unusual for his mind to wander back to the days of his youth. He may forget where he laid his glasses five minutes ago, yet he can remember events that took place a half a century ago. This is one of the interesting things of old age.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
