Support our volunteers

If you support a progressive agenda, then support a progressive candidate.

There are many ways to give service to your community by volunteerism. Be a mentor. Join the PTA. Help a literacy program. But in my opinion, two of the most noble and important activities are those of the volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

The Post-Star had a good editorial on the importance of retaining volunteer firefighters.

I am a huge fan of, and have a great deal of respect for, volunteer firefighters and EMTs. These volunteers really are the backbone of many rural towns here in upstate New York and, no doubt, across the country. In an era when people are so mobile, it seems fewer and fewer people are connected to or really care about their communities... except when there's a problem that directly affects them. Volunteer fire companies and EMS's are truly a part of their community and comprise people who want to better the place where they live.

The thing that makes me particularly respect these two professions even more than the other noble forms of service is that volunteer firefighters and EMTs are saving people's lives and homes, and often risking their own lives and exposing themselves to horrific scenes... all in the knowledge that they won't receive a dime for what they choose to subject themselves to.

So if your local volunteer firefighters or EMTs hold a fundraiser, please help them out. They deserve your support.