The other  morning, a building next to my house caught fire. I was working at my desk in the front of the house while the fire was starting to rage out of control out back.

I wasn’t aware of what was going on, until four or five guys came banging on my front door and yelling “fire!”

I looked out the back window and thought it was my house on fire. My dog, Brutus, was going crazy and not letting me pick him up, but, eventually, I caught him and we went out the front door.

Those guys who alerted me are from Dickess Garage across the street. Mr. Dickess told me they would have knocked down my front door to save Brutus had I not been home. I truly appreciate them for that, and thank them for letting me know what was going on.

Then the Ironton Fire Department, Ironton Police, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and EMS all showed up in a matter of a minute or two.

On top of that, a whole lot friends and coworkers called and texted to make sure we were OK.

I want to thank everyone who came to my aid and everyone who let me know they were worried about Brutus and me.

I want to give special thanks to the Ironton Fire Department for saving my house. If I ever thought about the city going to a volunteer fire department, I won’t anymore. If not for their fast and professional response, my house surely would have burned to the ground.

Phillip Heald

Ironton