Kudos to city's firefighters

I cannot thank enough and stress enough the "peace of mind" value and worth of our Mountain Home Fire Department.

I had a situation late Monday afternoon of a smell in the building that honestly made me think the staff had been cooking marshmallows in the microwave. It was a sweet smell that did not immediately flag me as an emergency.

Not being able to identify, I did call 911 and got the last of the staff out of the office and had them headed home as it was closing time. I felt guilty and apologized for causing such a "ruckus" as it is no small amount of support that shows up at your door step.

However, the fire department will tell you over and over again that it is always a deal worthy of all their knowledge and support to stop and prevent it being a very large problem. What I want to say is even when you think it is nothing or very small and you can "figure it out" or take care of it yourself, make the call and let our city fire department, police and all the emergency crews that respond do their job and leave it to these professionals.

Their attitude is amazing, and they will assure you that nothing is too small, and they will figure it out no matter how long it takes. It did take some time, and they were very diligent and professional in their routine. They are an invaluable resource in our community.

They promised an answer, and they provided an answer. It ended up being a ballast in a light fixture, but the smell and the way things spread and air currents even indoors move can be very deceiving. I was able to go home last night and know the problem was remedied, and I could get some sleep.

They are top-notch individuals that we all owe a "thank you" and "keep up the good work" when you see them. As someone that has a business and personal stake in what can be possible, it makes me very thankful for what they do and are so capable. Never hesitate; make the call. Peace of mind is priceless.

Thank you again. You are all our heroes!

- Brenda M. Fincher, publisher, Mountain Home News