Editor, Gazette Journal:

Having lived in Mathews for most of my life, both my husband and I have known about, participated in, and supported many of the community’s services. We have always been very proud to live here. Only recently, however, did I realize just how fine the emergency responders are in this county.

Upon returning home recently, I discovered two sides of my yard on fire. The flames were too high and the heat too intense for me to extinguish the fire by myself.

I quickly called 911 and within 15 minutes, eight young men and their fire truck arrived and took control of the situation. This group of firefighters, who no doubt had been at their jobs only minutes before, quickly extinguished the fire, thoroughly walked the property to verify that the fire was out, and made sure that I was okay.

At that time, I was so shook up that I did not properly thank these gentlemen and the Cobbs Creek Division of the Mathews County Volunteer Fire Department. I want to take this opportunity to publicly extend my sincere gratitude. I also want to encourage all my friends and fellow citizens to continue to support our Mathews Volunteer Fire Department. In our beautiful rural county, we are lucky to have them when we need them.

Peggy Hudgins

Hallieford, Va.