Returning a favor: Local firefighters show community’s gratitude

It is not often too hard to be proud of Wayne County’s firefighters.

They work long hours away from their families just to make sure that the rest of the county is safe.

So, it really shouldn’t be a surprise that there was a competition to see who would be allowed to head to Louisiana and assist with the relief efforts there.

The two men who were chosen to go — Lt. Rob Loreman and Firefighter Jourdon Pope — are no strangers to the term “hero.” Both have been named firefighters of the year in the past and have been honored members of Chief Bobby Greenfield’s local force.

But what makes their contribution to the relief efforts in Louisiana so special is that these men are going not just to help those who are suffering from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.

They are going also to pay back a debt.

Both men noted that this region of North Carolina was blessed with donations and volunteer time from strangers around the country when it was hit with hurricane damage.

Returning the favor is the least they can do, the firefighters said.

So, once again, they will volunteer their time away from their families to become heroes in a place where no one knows them, but for people who will never forget them.

There will be many more stories like this one as Wayne County residents continue to open their hearts and homes to Hurricane Katrina evacuees.

There seem to be a lot of people who remember just what it was like to be the one looking at a flooded home.

How nice to know that not only do they remember, but they are ready to help someone else get through the pain.

We should be proud of every volunteer and every resident who is taking the time to care.

Published in Editorials on September 8, 2005 12:14 PM