The job of a public servant, emphasis on “servant,” in the fire service, law enforcement, as a medical professional, and even in education as an educator is truly a calling.
God calls special people to do these special line of services for His glory; yet these angels are disrespected, unappreciated, and under paid, but are the first to be called upon in the time of need. Emergency response personnel are called upon all time in the line of duty to assist their fellow man with problems that one cannot handle himself.
On March 9 at approximately 12:30 a.m., angels were summoned to rescue, aid, and assist elderly and handicap residents from a housing community on Ouachita St in Rayville. On this particular morning, a few emergency personnel went above and beyond the call of duty that is required of them. I felt that a public “ATABOY” was due and well deserved for the concern, humility, compassion, hard work, bravery, and selflessness that was administered by the Town of Rayville’s very own servants.
From Rayville Police Dept: Sergeant Czyz Williams, Investigator Jerry Davis, and K-9 Officer Justin Spillers; Rayville Fire Dept: Asst Chief William Boren, Chris Martin, and Tyler Franks; Medlife Ambulance: Paramedic Cindy Ott and EMT Ashley Howie; Public Works: Head Supervisor David Stanifer and Mechanic Anthony Whitfield.
Countless personal sacrifices were made. These unselfish men and women had their own families to protect and care for. Their homes were at risk of flooding, but yet they made the sacrifice by leaving their homes to protect and serve the community.
One of the servant’s home did in fact flood, yet he put his mom to safety and responded to the call. Another servant left his sick daughter’s side after making sure she was safe and secure then he as well responded to the call. Having to wade through over three feet of freezing cold water with minimal equipment and supplies for rescue in heavy rain as the water was rising quickly by the hour. It was very dark and we didn’t know if snakes or other harmful creatures were lurking about.
Humility for the concern of humanity at its best. I was very impressed with the way each entity worked together to come up with a plan and properly execute it. They were very cold, wet, exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, yet no one complained no matter how conditions worsened.
As professionals they focused on the task at hand until it was completed. Citizens were rescued without any harm nor incidents and rescuers went on to rescue others needing assistance after having worked through the early morning hours over into late in the evening without any sleep nor rest. God has shown us once again that He can still bless us in the midst of a storm. I ask that when anyone see these angels that you give them a pat on the back, an “ATABOY,” or a few kind words of inspiration for a job well done. Word’s truly cannot express the outstanding job that was performed by these men and women. You would have to have been there. Some people may say they were only doing their job. Most of the sacrifices and duties performed by these professional was technically not in their job description. They did it not for pay nor for the glory but for their compassionate hearts for humanity. This is the purpose of calling them “Unsung Angels.” Keep up the great work. God sees you.
Matthew 6:3-4(NIV) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
John 15:12-13(NIV) My command is this: Love each other as I have love you; Greater love has no man than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.
Orlando Logan is a captain with the Rayville Fire Department.