A community needs a few key services to really feel like a secure place to call home. Those might include a post office, a bank, or a good restaurant. But there is another one that most don’t think about until it is one of the worst days of your life – the local fire department. 

In the hamlet of Long Eddy, that essential service has all but dissipated in the past six months. There is a spark of hope to bring it back from the brink but a lack of interest seems to be an effective roadblocker. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In emergency situations, every minute matters. Leaving the delicate and important duty to neighbors is a huge ask, especially over long periods of time. Currently, the Long Eddy Fire District is being serviced by two other local volunteer fire companies, Hancock and Hankins-Fremont Center. We know this is a hefty responsibility on top of their own duties, but one that needs to be done. Long Eddians deserve immediate protection and peace of mind, and we hope the continuing effort to bring the Long Eddy Hose Co. back to life works. 

But that will only come if those brace and willing enough take a stand for not just their own families, but their neighbors, businesses, history and heritage that Long Eddy has safeguarded for generations come forward and join the department. If you are able and are close, please consider attending the next meeting on March 11 at 6 p.m. at the firehouse. Your dedication and volunteerism would be appreciated by everyone in the community. 

As Long Eddy Hose Co. continues its search for more heads to join the revival of the department, we thank and encourage Chief Pam Wayne and Long Eddy Fire District Commissioner James Eaton for never giving up in their attempts to protect their community right from their own backyards. 

It is a noble task set before them, and we hope the people of Long Eddy will answer the call to protect!

And while we are talking firematics, we would like to encourage volunteers throughout Sullivan County to help their local fire department –or ambulance corps – by volunteering. Helping your fellow neighbor in their time of need is so important to our communities.