Christmas morning, about 5 a.m., we were awakened to the sound of our smoke detectors going off as our home was full of smoke. Everyone got out safely and we called 9-1-1. The fire department arrived and we found that there was a problem with our heating unit. There was no damage to our home and everyone is safe.

My family and I would like to sincerely thank the members of the Fairfield and Teague fire departments who willingly left their warm homes and families early on a cold Christmas morning to give of their time to come to the aid of a fellow community member. These firefighters acted in a professional manner, quickly and efficiently evaluated the situation and found the problem.

Some 15 members of both the Fairfield Fire Department and the Teague Fire Department arrived at our home, along with a convoy of firefighting equipment. Their first concern was to the health and safety of our family.

With this in mind, I ask all of our Freestone county neighbors to take a minute and say “Thanks” to our emergency responders who willingly give of their time to keep us safe. Their dedication to volunteer service is outstanding.

Secondly, if you do not have smoke detectors in your home, go get them today! If you have smoke detectors and have not checked them recently, please go do so now.

There is no doubt in my mind that the early alert we received was instrumental in getting us to safety.

Again, thanks to the fire departments and those dedicated men and women who give of their time and talents to keep our community safe.

Mark Palmquist and family