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With about 116,000 people, it is critical that first responders in Lycoming County be as prepared for emergencies and disasters as possible.
That's why renovations and improvements at a site on Williamsport's West Third Street used to train firefighters are so welcomed.
The work was funded by county government and by a grant from the First Community Foundation Partnership.
As the site deteriorated over the years, many firefighters who serve our local communities had to drive to either State College or Harrisburg for necessary training.
For a field from which we already ask so much -- and which in recent years is seeing such difficulty in recruiting new heroes to save our lives and homes -- asking firefighters to commit to these drives was frankly unreasonable.
We are glad the county and foundation partnered to address this deficiency and to ensure our firefighters could accomplish more of their training closer to home.
Moreover, the upgraded site allows for testing as well as training.
"We can test students now to national fire protection training level standards," Central Area Fire Chiefs Association President Michael Gardner told the Sun-Gazette for an article in Tuesday's edition. "They don't have to travel to Lewistown for that. They can do it right here."
The work our firefighters and first responders do is incredibly important -- and comes with incredible sacrifices on their part. We are glad that our communities have taken a small step in the right direction to assist their efforts, and we hope our communities continue to find ways to support their dedication to their neighbors.