We told you recently about the rescue of a golden retriever from a frozen pond by the Lafayette County Fire Department.

The rescue, old a cold day with the dog stranded in freezing water and surrounded by ice, was both skilled and heart-warming. But there is one element to the story that stands out in particular: Members of the Lafayette County Fire Department are volunteers.

We are frequently reminded of this but sometimes it takes a dog rescue from frozen waters to make us stop and give special thanks.

Our Lafayette County Fire Department members are comprised of many different ages and backgrounds. They have one thing in common: the desire to serve and protect. They enjoy the training, they enjoy being part of the team and they are willing to take the risks required in staffing the Lafayette County Fire Department.

You know who they are because they are friends, they are family members and they are devoted.

The recent dog rescue grabbed headlines but more often volunteer members of the Lafayette County Fire Department respond to calls at all hours with little attention.

We thank them for their volunteer service and appreciate their dedication to Lafayette County residents.