Eagle Observer LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Editor,

Thank you for publishing the story, “Rescue turns to mayday,” about the Highfill Swiftwater Rescue Team pulling 16 people to safety on the Illinois River.

Reading about how the firefighters risked their lives to save those people sent chills down my spine.

I have lived in Highfill since 1982 and have always liked it here. I am friends with some of the rescue team members and know most of them.

They are always ready to serve the community. Forexample, Kevin Higgins has taken the time to come out to my house and install smoke detectors when the department was giving them away.

There are many good people in the world who are heroic, but I’ve got a whole town full of them. I can’t believe the caliber of the men that are on this department.

The fire department makes me proud to be a part of this community, and I’m glad to know these guys are here if I need help.

Elane Bennett Highfill

News, Pages 7 on 05/18/2011