We live at 105 Strachan Lane, next door to J. Mac and Beverly Mason, who lost their home to fire last week.

We have all talked about how lucky we are and how amazing it is that our house is still standing.

But we know that it is really not luck at all. It is because we have alert and caring neighbors who, (along) with the Glynn County Police, made sure that we were not in danger.

And it is especially because of the very hard work and efforts of the Glynn County Fire Department that our home and the (home of neighbor John Ellis) were saved. We are very grateful to these firemen and the volunteers working with them.

When we are young, the first heroes we have are the firemen who protect and keep us safe. Perhaps later we learn to take this protection for granted.

Thank you, Glynn County firemen.

Pam and Hoke Brannen,

St. Simons Island