| The friendly rivalry between firefighters and law enforcement had a wholesome twist this afternoon when the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department and the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office responded together to a grass fire on Jane Terrace.
At 1:35 p.m., Monelison units were dispatched for a reported grass fire. Attack 21, staffed with a single driver, arrived on scene simultaneously with Amherst County deputies. The homeowner reported that while burning leaves, the fire spread beyond the intended area, igniting the surrounding yard.
The fire was mostly self extinguished when Deputy J. Napier of the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office asked if he could lend a hand. Never ones to pass up teamwork — or a good-natured photo opportunity — The driver of Attack 21 gladly handed him the booster line. Deputy Napier wasted no time jumping in and assisting with the final extinguishment.
“Firefighters claim law enforcement gets to eat donuts all day, and they say we sleep and play video games,” the department joked. “But today, Deputy Napier proved he’s not afraid of a little hard work.”
After the fire was brought fully under control, the crew even tried to recruit him on the spot — especially since Deputy Napier is a former member of the department. However, he insisted on sticking with law enforcement. “We guess firefighting is still too much work for him,” the department added with a smile.
The Monelison Volunteer Fire Department extends its appreciation to the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office for their continued partnership and to Deputy Napier for stepping in with enthusiasm. |
