Most of us complain about how tough our jobs are at one time or another. Local firefighters could tell us to walk a mile — or even few hundred yards in their water-logged, soot-caked boots.

Hundreds of Lawrence County men and women put their lives on the line when duty calls for little or no pay. Our firefighters risk life and limb and make many personal sacrifices to protect our property and our lives.

Even in the best of times this is a difficult job with very few benefits — other than knowing you are making a difference in your community. Now factor in extreme weather conditions like the cold and snow that have set in across the region and you have an even deadlier situation.

These firefighters are carrying 50 to 75 pounds of gear through slick and icy terrain entering unknown environments where one mistake could be your last. It usually doesn’t take long before their clothes are soaked, an especially hazardous situation when temperatures are below freezing.

Several area departments — most of whom are unpaid — have responded to recent fires in our community without a second thought about their safety or their own personal commitments.

It is that selflessness that is a prerequisite to be a firefighter and we should be thankful so many Lawrence Countians have this in their hearts.