I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for honoring our local heroes during our “Heroes Day” Parade and for attending the activities at the Sistersville City Park on Sunday, Sept. 8.

I would also like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their help and support to make this day a memorable event for the community of Sistersville: Members of the Sistersville City Council; Sistersville General Hospital for their health screenings; Alex King and staff of The Tyler Star News; the officers and firefighters of the Sistersville Volunteer Fire Company; Sistersville Chief of Police Ben Placer, and the other officers of Sistersville Police Department; the New Martinsville Police Department for their K-9 demonstration; the Air Evac Lifeteam of New Martinsville; staff of the West Virginia Division of Forestry and Smokey the Bear; Larry Taylor & Valley Towing; VFW Post 6327; American Legion Post 67; local law enforcement for safety and traffic support; Jan Surface; Beth Roberts; Steve Gorrell; Barbara Vincent; Anne Doig; the staff and members of Sistersville First United Methodist Church; Earl Smith, co-founder of the organization-Operation Thank You for Your Service; Senator Joe Manchin and his staff; and Senator Larry Edgell.

Finally, I would like to thank all of our “Heroes Day” guests of honor for their participation in the day’s activities as well as for their constant, daily support, and service to our local communities. I would like to specifically acknowledge and show my personal appreciation to all members of our area fire departments and law enforcement agencies, as well as to the members of the Middlebourne EMS.

If I missed any others who participated in and/or assisted with the day’s activities, I am truly sorry. There were so many people who helped or offered to help in one way or another. Your offers were extremely appreciated, and your assistance did not go unnoticed.

“Heroes Day” was a great way to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11/01, as well as simultaneously giving due recognition to those people who currently serve within our communities today.

If you would like to volunteer with and/or give support to your local fire department, ambulance service, or law enforcement agency, please contact them and learn how you, too, can make a positive difference within your local community.

Once again, I am grateful for having the opportunity to showcase our deserving, local first responders … our local heroes!

Thank you,

Rev. Bill Dawson

Public Information Officer, Sistersville Volunteer Fire Dept.

Pastor, Sistersville First