New Sharon Fire and Rescue: Supporting First Responders in Times of Crisis
New Sharon Fire and Rescue joined by other volunteers recently spent three days in Spencer, Iowa helping fellow first responders recover from catastrophic flooding. (photo provided)
New Sharon, Iowa – New Sharon Fire and Rescue recently demonstrated the true spirit of camaraderie and community support through their latest mission to assist fellow first responders in Spencer, Iowa. The team’s three-day operation highlighted the critical role of local support in disaster recovery, emphasizing how communities can come together to aid those who dedicate their lives to public safety.
A Mission of Solidarity
Five dedicated members traveled to Spencer, where they provided much-needed assistance to local emergency responders affected by severe flooding. Verlan VanWyk, a member of the team, shared insights into their efforts, detailing how they began by helping a local fireman whose basement, used as a daycare had been inundated with water.
“The first one we went to was a fireman from Spencer. His wife did daycare in the basement for a lot of the firemen and police officers’ families. That was a high priority,” VanWyk recounted. The team worked diligently to remove water-damaged items, drywall, and insulation, despite the challenging conditions and lack of heavy equipment.
The team then moved on to assist a police officer and a sheriff’s deputy, tackling similar water damage in their homes. Each task involved extensive manual labor, but the team’s dedication and perseverance ensured that significant progress was made.
Community-Funded Efforts
One of the standout aspects of New Sharon Fire and Rescue’s mission is the robust support they receive from their local community. VanWyk highlighted the importance of this backing, stating, “It’s our community that’s funding. It’s all coming from our community that’s allowing us to do this.” This support is crucial in enabling the team to extend their assistance beyond their immediate area, reinforcing the collective strength and generosity of the New Sharon community.
Boosting Morale and Inspiring Future Initiatives
Beyond the physical aid provided, the mission had a profound impact on the morale of the local first responders in Spencer. VanWyk shared that both the local police chief and a sheriff’s deputy expressed their gratitude, noting how the team’s efforts had uplifted their spirits during a difficult time.
“The police chief said, ‘You raised morale just knowing there’s people like you guys out there, willing to look at first responders and help them first,'” VanWyk said. This morale boost inspired discussions about expanding such support initiatives statewide, potentially creating a broader network of assistance for first responders across Iowa.
A Model of Community Support
New Sharon Fire and Rescue’s mission to Spencer serves as a powerful example of how community-funded efforts can make a significant difference in disaster recovery. Their work not only provided immediate relief to those in need but also fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual support among first responders.
As disaster recovery efforts continue to be a critical need, the example set by New Sharon Fire and Rescue underscores the importance of community involvement and support. Their mission highlights the profound impact that dedicated individuals and supportive communities can have in times of crisis, ensuring that those who serve and protect are not forgotten when they themselves need help.
