o the Editor,
I always knew that our volunteer firefighters provided a great service to our community. However, I did not really comprehend how valuable that service is until January 1, 2016, the day of the fire at B&B Bowl in Preston. Memories of that day will be forever etched in my mind. Memories not only of seeing the B&B be destroyed by fire, but also of watching area firefighters put their blood, sweat and yes, tears, into battling that unrelenting blaze. They worked so hard, lugging heavy hoses, slipping on ice that formed on the parking lot and street, trying to stay warm and feeling defeated because they could not do more to save the building. Many of those firefighters are friends and part of the B&B family. Their hearts broke right along with my heart and the hearts of all of my co-workers and owners Paul and Shelly Hanson. So during National Fire Prevention Week, I extend a special, huge thank you and salute members of all of our area fire departments. You are definitely our heroes.
Ilene Edwards
Preston, MN