By Stephen Smoot
One of the hallmarks of a rural community comes from the deep reservoirs of resilience and strength present when needed in a crisis. In the recent outbreak of dangerous brush fires across the county, the region showed its greatest strength – its caring people.
“Nothing shy of ‘wonderful!’” was how Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County emergency services coordinator, described the county’s eager response to assist. The Franklin Volunteer Fire Department provided a single point of contact for all who wished to make donations of any kind to express support.
On a Facebook post, Franklin VFD stated “thank you to everyone that has donated, stopped or helped out on the fire. We are greatly appreciative of you and your generosity.”
“Donors have donated a large assortment of food, desserts and drinks,” Gillespie said, adding that, “people have asked how they can make and have made monetary donations as well.”
Elizabeth Scott, executive director of the Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce, led an effort to produce vinyl signs for the courthouse lawn to thank all involved in fighting the blazes. She also encouraged residents to continue their support, saying on a Facebook post, “please continue supporting these wonderful men and women by donating items and helping them with all of their needs.”
Although the crews worked hard to keep people and property safe, Pendleton Senior and Family Services opened its doors for anyone facing evacuation. They offered breakfast and lunch, as well as a space with games, puzzles, and more in case families needed a place to escape. “All are welcome. No need to call first,” they announced over Facebook.
Offers of help came in from across the community as well. Jeffrey and Victoria Rhodes offered two Air BNB facilities to house visiting firefighters.
Others offered direct material support to units engaged in firefighting. From Wilbur’s Logging came a Facebook post saying, “If fire crews need me to bring a dozer to help clear lines or anything just let me know. It will be free of charge! Just message me!”
Additionally, Jonathan Simmons and Justin Bowers of Franklin put their own heavy equipment into the field “protecting the community we live in and love,” as Thomas Sites reported on Facebook. Additionally, “they broke very expensive equipment on multiple machines,” but at the end of the day, “their lines held.”
Even the children at Tiny Tots Day Care in Franklin showed their appreciation. Staff blanketed the windows with signs expressing thanks and appreciation.
Not enough space exists in this newspaper to credit the hundreds of people who engaged the fires directly, as well as countless others who gave support in any tangible or intangible ways. Communities like Pendleton County thrive on the hearts of their people. This is a sampling of the many efforts that combined together last week.
Disasters plague every community from time to time. The measure of their greatness is how they respond during and after.
