Bald Hills Fire Dept. Volunteers,
Beverly Wright is top row, 4th person from the right

I received this touching letter about volunteering & giving back to the community and asked letter-writer Beverly Wright for permission to share with Yelm Community Blog readers. Here is her letter, in her own words:

“Volunteering for your local fire department is a great way to better know and support your community. You get to meet people and see places youd never have otherwise. Working with neighbors fosters community. Theres nothing like seeing a familiar face at your emergency to help bring calm and focus back to you. Fire department service can be an opportunity to serve as an ambassador of our school. Its also a way to understand the emergency services system, and provides valuable training.

My fire department participation has provided me with important knowledge, practical skills and improved physical fitness. Im also better prepared for disastrous events – and I was no slouch prior to the training. Through the Bald Hills fire department (Thurston County Fire Protection District 17), Ive received state certification as an emergency medical technician, wild land fire fighter, structural fire fighter, and fire services instructor. The fire department is supported by tax dollars, therefore volunteers trained by the fire department do need to give back to the community in the form of service. That service is a great way to hone skills. Volunteering can also be a first step into a new career. There are many windows of opportunity available through the fire department.”

Beverly Wright
Bald Hills

UPDATE:
Saturday, Feb. 15th
On Friday night, February 4, the Bald Hills Fire Department held its annual banquet to recognize and celebrate the commitments made by its volunteers. Beverly was named as the Fire Departments 2010 Volunteer of the Year. Beverly has been a volunteer member of the department since 2007. She is an EMT, a firefighter, and a CPR instructor.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BEVERLY WRIGHT FOR HER CONTRIBUTION TO OUR AREA!