Thank You, Daisy Mountain firefighters

This letter is a huge “thank you” to the Daisy Mountain Fire Department.

We tend to only think of our fire department in regard to the never‑ending sirens and accidents on New River Road, I‑17 and other roadways, and forget they are present the rest of the time. I applaud each and every firefighter who spends his days on emergency calls, assisting and comforting people in crisis.

My story is a bit different. My daughter and I run Dreamchaser PMU Rescue, saving Premarin mares and foals from slaughter. We have a core of dedicated volunteers who encouraged me to stop suffering and have back surgery. On April 23, 2006, I underwent extensive surgery, resulting in a spinal fusion.

What has the fire department to do with this, you say? Five days after the surgery, I was allowed to go home. Now, this is the catch: There are 24 narrow and steep stairs up to my home, where there are six big rescue dogs, a cat and other assorted birds and fish waiting for me. Climb those stairs after a spinal fusion? I don't think so.

The heroes at Daisy Mountain, coordinating with my daughter, Jamie, and Pastor Dallas of Spur Cross Cowboy Church, were practically behind the truck as Jamie drove me into the yard. They pulled out a special chair, put pillows and me in it, locked me in and carried me up those 24 stairs at an angle while never being unsteady, or hesitating, or jarring me in the least. They then set the chair down in my home, where I promptly burst into tears‑I was so grateful that I could be home.

Thanking them all profusely, their response was “That's what we are here for.” They also kindly offered to transport me down and back up when I had to go back to my surgeon.

So, all of you who have suffered through my editorial, let’s remember Daisy Mountain firefighters are always there for us, and let us never forget to be grateful.

Susan N. Thompson
New River