The Durant and Wilton fire departments came together to show strength and hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started with one small community has spread nationwide. The following was posted for fire departments to participate in: The doors are down, all is quiet but we do stand ready. On Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. the doors will open, lights on our trucks will go on. A sign of strength and hope for all. Hope for all who work daily in EMS, fire, and law enforcement to be ready, strength for those working around the clock to provide care, those who strive to find the right medicine to help, those in the food/grocery industry to feed us and those trucking daily to keep us going. Residents were also asked to turn on their porch lights to let everyone know they too have hope. Durant Fire Chief Jared Semsch said, “The community liked that they did it, but didn’t get word out quick enough though for a large number of folks to come out. When things calm down, they would like to parade the fire trucks and ambulances with lights and sirens through town.” Damien Maynard, a Wilton volunteer firefighter, said, “I got the idea from my buddy who works at the Solon Fire Department. We wanted to do it to show a sign of strength and hope for everyone who is still working. A moment of recognition.” Community members gathered that night to share a moment of silence for individuals who continue to work during this pandemic. Maynard said the community response was very positive.
* Photos by Teresa Benischek and contributed
