I was reminded .....

I was reminded recently by a friend who also grew up in New York about the New York Fire Departments.

I grew up in a closely knit community that had an ALL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT.

They had a lengthy waiting list of young men wanting to join. It was a privilege and a prestigious honor to participate.

My community won many prizes in fire fighting competitions.

But they did far more than fighting fires or responding to accidents.

On Christmas Eve, a portly fire fighter, dressed as Santa, mounted the ladder truck and rode up and down the streets of the community, amidst honking horns, sirens blaring, followed by a parade of fire equipment, rescue vehicles, and family cars.

Other volunteer fire fighters, dressed in Santa suits, followed Santa's route, delivering toys to homes (pre-arranged) and delighting children.

On Easter, the same portly fire fighter donned the Easter Bunny costume and mounted the ladder truck on Easter Eve, and waved, accompanied by the cacophony of sirens and horns and equipment.

There was much else that was accomplished by those volunteers to unite a community and forge the support. They were active and involved.

And they also had a volunteer ambulance service filled with paramedics that responded with impressive speed and great compassion.

Why is Massachusetts different?