Firefighters work hard for little recognition

While many residents of Russellville celebrated Christmas Day with family and loved ones, several firefighters from northwest Alabama spent the day fighting a blaze on Lawrence Street in downtown Russellville.

Firefighters from Russellville, Belgreen, East Franklin, Frankfort, Tharptown, Muscle Shoals and Florence prevented the fire from consuming an entire city block.

Firefighters are often an overlooked asset in our communities. Many are volunteers and get little recognition for their efforts.

Many of us do not think about firefighters until we need their service, and this is a shame.

They sacrifice not only their time, but also potentially their lives to keep people safe.

Please remember to thank those who help protect us.