This week we traditionally give thanks for our blessings and the goodness in our lives. Two years ago, Thanksgiving 2001 was particularly a somber one for all Americans as we recognized that our homeland was not as secure as we believed. The vulnerability of our families and friends was foremost that year.

Two years later, we still feel that vulnerability -- not just for family, friends and fellow citizens here on home soil but for those fighting the war on foreign soil. Nothing is certain for the fire service today, either. Our first responders are still vulnerable as the first line of defense in the continuing war, and they face an increasing number of potential hazards when they arrive on scene.

But since that awful September day, we have also come across many stories that lift our hearts. For example, during the past year, we’ve covered the story of Pierce City (Mo.) Fire Department’s struggle to make the first payment on their new fire truck after a tornado wiped out the business district and its sales tax income in May.

A volunteer in department wrote us about Pierce City’s situation and in a Command Post e-newsletter, we asked fire departments to each send $1 to help the department. Over the next few months, Command Post readers sent in $16,000! USA Today picked up the story and even more attention and money was donated to Pierce City.

Julie Johnson, the Pierce City town clerk, called last week with an update. Steve Wisley, a Chicagoan inspired by the story in USA Today about Pierce City, wanted to do something nice for the community, so he and his friends organized a barbecue last weekend for 1,000 Pierce City residents and presented each of 400 families with a complete turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. Wisley also coordinated the donation of 30 computers and five VCRs to the local school as well as a scholarship for a high school student.

To date, $40,000 has been donated to the Pierce City Fire Department, and a city building has been adapted to house its new fire truck, Johnson said.

I continue to be awed by the courage and resiliency of America’s fire service -- and by the kindness brought to bear from the public and from within the fire service when the chips are down.

This Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for the many people that serve and work in this industry. And also for our dedicated staff at FIRE CHIEF magazine.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Janet Wilmoth, Editor