by Jerry Couch

The most important people you’ll ever meet are those who come to you during the most difficult moments of your life.  Fire…flood…medical emergency…disaster.  Our volunteer firefighters and EMT’s are the most important volunteers in our community because they’re HERE for us when we need them.

On Wednesday, April 25th, the Mountain Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross held its “Celebration of Heroes” at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.  Among those chosen for recognition were Chief James Smith of the Dante Volunteer Fire Department and Phyllis Woods of the Dante Volunteer Rescue Squad.

JAMES SMITH is well-known to many of our readers, but for those who have never met him I can tell you that he is a true Appalachian.  Chief Smith and his fellow firefighters are helping make the Dante community a better and safer place to live.

Thank you, James, for all the good things you do!

Note:  Photos courtesy of Cindy Smith.

PHYLLIS WOODS, a member of the Dante Volunteer Rescue Squad, responds to an average of 300 calls for help each year.  That’s a LOT of calls.  Folks, if what Phyllis has done/is doing was easy, lots more people would be doing it.  She and her fellow rescue squad members are making our community a safer place to live.

Thank you, Phyllis, for your care and compassion.