Just a bit above Fleetwood in Berks County is the small village of Walnuttown.  Home to under 500 residents, it sits mostly in Richland Township.

            Today, the people in and around the small town are mourning the loss of two volunteer firefighters from the Walnuttown Fire Company who died in a horrific crash on Saturday evening.

            Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick, Jr. were searching for a missing woman when their utility vehicle was struck by a Toyota Camry that swerved onto the shoulder of the road.  A male and female in the Camry fled the scene and were later arrested in Richmond Township

            According to reports, 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera was the driver of the Camry.  The Berks County District Attorney has reported that he will be charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.

            Justice may eventually be served but it does little to ease the pain of losing a loved one.

            Now first responders from all over the area, and all over the country, are sending messages of respect and support to the families left behind. There are also many notes of support from people outside of the emergency service family,

            It is a reminder to everyone that there are no guarantees that when a volunteer responds to a call for help, they will return.

            No matter how much you train, school, practice, and adhere to safety guidelines there is always that one unknown; a person who doesn't know or care.

            You can size up, evaluate, create scenarios and execute your actions with precision.  But one person crossing the line and you may not go home.

            We here at the Town and Country offer our sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, and all of the first responders of Walnuttown and Richland Township and know that they will be strong during this time of sorrow.

            Next time you hear the wail of a siren or a blast from an air-horn as an emergency vehicle passes by, take a moment to say a prayer that after they complete their duty, they will return home safely.