When the call for help goes out, they stand ready toanswer.

For the approximately 120 members of the Lincoln County VolunteerFirefighters Association, helping their neighbors in times oftrouble is a calling they readily accept.

They do not fight fires, provide medical help or offer stormcleanup assistance for the pay, because there is none. In fact,sometimes the only acknowledgment of their good deeds is a “thankyou” from a grateful homeowner.

Nevertheless, Lincoln County’s volunteer firefighters continue topursue training and upgraded equipment to remain ready whenneeded.

Between fires, automobile accidents, medical calls and otheremergencies, that need arises about 40 times a month. That’s 40times a month that someone, somewhere, would be a little worse offwere it not for the dedicated efforts of the county’s volunteerfirefighters.

On Saturday, the volunteer firefighters association took a chanceto help themselves as well as give back to the community in theform of the first Hog Wild Barbeque Cook Off and Family Festival indowntown Brookhaven.

By all indications, the event was an overwhelming success. Thosewho attended enjoyed some good food, fun times and even had achance to interact with candidates for local elected offices thisyear.

That the event was so well-attended is a great thing for thefirefighters and the community as a whole. Organizers were alreadylooking forward to next year.

Between now and then, though, members of the volunteer firefightersassociation will be returning to their daily work schedules andgoing about their everyday lives.

But should the need arise, volunteer firefighters will stayprepared to help their neighbors. As such, everyone can be thankfuland rest assured that their lives and property are being looked outfor by a big-hearted and dedicated group of citizens.