U.S. Senator John Boozman, who is running for re-election, visited Magnolia Fire Department yesterday. The statesman met with volunteer firefighters from across Columbia County as well as Magnolia Fire Chief Greg Pinner. He discussed the importance and value of volunteer fire departments to citizens in small communities.
“There's no telling what the cost would be to city, county, state, and federal government if we didn't have so many people that were willing to step up. Many times, it's a family affair, but it's a tremendous service. We sometimes only remember them when we see tragedy. The idea that these men and women are willing to put themselves in harm's way to go in and save someone's life, and doing it for free, is really remarkable,” the Republican Senator stated.
He is also visiting Arkansas police departments and emergency responders.
Boozman added, “You know, you take all this stuff for granted. It's like turning on the lights, you expect it just to happen. It's a lot of hard work with lots of nice people.”
Public servants were not all the Fort Smith resident spoke about. He told the Banner-News he was working diligently on getting rural homes access to broadband, high speed Internet. Along with other senators, he has started the bipartisan Rural Broadband Caucus.
“If you think in terms of infrastructure … roads, bridges, and railroads … broadband is one of those things like that, it's essential. We're trying to figure out how to get it at a low cost throughout the country.”
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.