Most people will never have a need for firefighters during their lifetime, and that's a good thing. But when you need them, you really need them.

I have heard some comments about the firefighters of my district, made by residents who apparently have never needed them.

They say they are greedy, they are trying to take advantage of the taxpayers, or they sit around the firehouse all day doing nothing. Some have joked that the shortage of actual fires means we don't have to pay for firefighters. Words spoken by people who really don't know the facts.

A good fire department is like a good insurance policy. You pay for it but hope you never need it. When you need the firefighters, it is usually on one of the worst days of your life. My husband is a Poquonnock Bridge firefighter. We live in a Fort Hill home and are no better off than most people here. I am proud of my husband every day, including the days he doesn't have to risk his life to save one of yours.