Local emergency services show strength

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Cherries and berries were blazing as the Parkersburg Fire Department’s crew were positioned in a stoic display of solidarity on Wednesday evening.

The Parkersburg Fire Department was one of many departments around the state that opened their doors and turned on the lights on emergency vehicles Wednesday, March 25, as a show of strength and hope in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; expressing support for all who continue working around the clock to provide care, medicine, food and supplies to keep the state and country moving.

Clint Daniels, both a firefighter and ambulance driver, organized the event at the Parkersburg Fire Department. He was prompted originally by a Facebook post earlier in the day.

“The Iowa Firefighters Association posted this morning that they encouraged all departments to pull their trucks out,” Daniels said, “it’s a community support for the COVID-19.”

The reciprocation was certainly there. Dozens of residents were in attendance, despite the rain, enjoying the display from across the street. Many others drove by, honking to show support for their show of strength. They kept the lights going for over an hour, starting at 7 p.m., before finally closing up shop a little after 8 p.m.

Because of the novel coronavirus, there’s a lot of uncertainty and anxiety in the world at the moment, but Daniels had some advice for the community as the most important takeaway.

“Do as you’re told,” he said, “if you have to stay home, stay home. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands. Please don’t risk someone else’s life.”

“We don’t get a paycheck for this,” Daniels continued, “so we want to let people know that when there’s an emergency, we are there because we choose (to be), to help the community, and hope that we can count on their support right back.”

If you’d like to find out how you can support the Parkersburg Fire Department, give them a call at 319-346-2262.