their service to the community
November 9, 2004
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
The central Massachusetts town of Lancaster has been in the news the past few days, with many stories about the family of a volunteer firefighter killed in the performance of his duties. You might be surprised to learn that about half the communities in Massachusetts utilize at least a few Call or Volunteer Firefighters - per the Massachusetts Call/Volunteer Firefighters Association (<click name for website of MCVFA). Another internet resource is the National Volunteer Fire Council. 178 Communities have anywhere from a few to an entire company of volunteers; in Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Bershire counties, nearly all fireman are volunteers. Local to us here in Bridgewater are volunteers in West Bridgewater, Middleboro and Abington (just to name a few nearby.)
These brave men and women provide a necessary and valuable service to their community and surrounding areas. A fire knows no difference between a career firefighter and a volunteer firefighter. And in an emergency, both will risk their lives to assist.
This past legislative session had several issues of importance for review (see the Legislative Pages of MCVFA), and several did not make it out of committee - including an Act to Improve Survivor Pensions. Read on those two websites more about the service these individuals provide, and then contact your local elected House and Senate Representatives to let them know how you feel about these issues.
