Fire departments, police departments and rescue squads in Charlotte County have an enormous responsibility: to save people and property when called.

Emergencies can happen anytime and at any place in the county.

The departments often have to work under sizable odds, including aging equipment, aging structures and struggles to fund the skyrocketing cost of equipment and education for firefighters, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical service providers. An aging population or a population with opioid addiction struggles requires the services offered by first responders that much more.

When Tropical Storm Michael occurred in the fall of 2018, and when thunderstorms and heavy rainfall continue to fall in the summer, first responders are there to serve, and to make sure everyone involved in an emergency is safe.

Because the departments often work in the background of emergencies, sometimes they do not always get recognition for their services.

Additional aid for these departments, and departments around the region have been coming. With the support of counties, residents and of state representatives, donations and aid have been coming in for departments in the area.

The more aid that comes, and the more quickly it comes, the better.

Some first responders and their firsthand experiences serving in Charlotte County were published in “A Salute to First Responders: Honoring Those on the Front Lines.” The digital version of this publication is online at TheCharlotteGazette. com. to the right, midway down on the homepage, under “Special Sections.”

Over the next few weeks, you will see interviews with county first responders with insightful details about what it means to be a first responder by Farmville Newsmedia LLC Intern George Waters.

We at The Charlotte Gazette thank the Bacon District Volunteer Fire Department, the Charlotte Court House Volunteer Fire Department, the Cullen Volunteer Fire Department, the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department, the Keysville Volunteer Fire Department, the Phenix Volunteer Fire Department, the Red House Volunteer Fire Department, the Charlotte County Rescue Squad, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Charlotte County Emergency Services Coordinator for their dedication to serving their neighbors in Charlotte County.