Thanking The Heroic Volunteer Firefighters

They are unsung heroes -- the everyday men and women who leave their families, their children, and run fearlesslly straight into the face of burning fires to keep communities safe.

Across the board, elected officials have thanked the hundreds of firefighters who galvanized without a moment's hesitation to battle the blazing wildfires in the Pine Barrens this week. Without them, a terrible situation would have smoldered and exploded into tragedy.  Without their sacrifice, far more homes, and possibly even lives, could have been lost.

Patch thanks the firefighters, the ambulance workers, the police who stepped up this week and gave selflessly to keep homes and families protected. They epitomize the heart and souls of small town spirit. They are heroes.

If you know of a special firefighter or emergency responder you'd like to thank, please send your story, and photos, if you like, to Riverhead Patch. We'll publish them tomorrow in a tribute Page of Thanks.