Our visit from Tropical Storm Isaias on Tuesday was none too pleasant. 

            The heavy rain and wind brought destruction to our area – an area that was still reeling from last year's summer storms.

            The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornados spawned by the storm in Pennsylvania.  One in Bucks County and one in Montgomery County.  The Montgomery County tornado touched down in Worcester Township; less than 10 miles from our immediate area.

            Road crews, line crews, and other service workers have begun the tasks of clearing the roads and restoring electrical service.  Many were working during Tuesday's storm.  Trying to stay one step ahead of Isaias was an uphill battle.  Cleaning up after it will take some time.

            Once again, our area's emergency responders were up to the task of responding from one call to the next in a seemingly unending barrage of pleas for help.

            The untiring efforts of the volunteer firefighters and fire police were once again on full display.  The emergency medical services did well covering their emergencies and helping neighbors with theirs.

            While many are hunkering down in these storms, they are not – they cannot.

            The volunteer fire companies continue to prove their mettle as they perform in weather most wouldn't venture out into.  In Montgomery County alone, there were more than 125 calls for help during the height of the storm.

            They responded.

            Those same volunteer fire companies are experiencing the economic pains of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Unemployment and government safety guidelines have greatly impacted the donations they would normally receive in their fund drives, as well as their ability to raise funds through their fund-raising events.

            Yet, they are still there – they are still responding.

            As our state and county government officials continue to look for ways to help everybody during these difficult times, it is important for them to remember those volunteers who serve the communities and the people in them.

            The trucks need fuel, the insurance needs to be paid, electric and heating bills need to be paid, broken and out-of-date equipment needs to be replaced, training and education must continue, used items need to be restocked, and government mandates for equipment certification and replacement need to be fulfilled.  

            When these groups can no longer serve – the people cannot be served.

            That cannot happen