We take for granted that in an emergency, first responders, firefighters and police officers will be there quickly to assist us.

And they are. Response time to an emergency can vary, however, depending on how far away from the emergency responders are coming from.

As the Alpena Fire Department begins the long process of helping to rebuild the Presque Isle Township Department, response time is a common question that arises among residents and city officials. That is why Fire Chief Bill Forbush is looking to establish, as quickly as he can, a group of volunteers who reside in, or very near the township, to help in the transition.

We urge volunteers to come forth quickly.

None of us want to rehash the history of the Presque Isle Township Department, and why Alpena is even here at this point helping the township regroup. That is history. What is important at this point is that help is here in the form of Alpena. Residents can go to sleep at night knowing help is but a phone call away.

And most important, under Alpena’s plan, if the volunteers can be secured (and we expect that will not be a problem) then response time will be greatly enhanced for township residents.

Forbush is committed to eventually turning over to township residents a fire station that will run correctly, where everything is in place and proper procedures and protocol are being followed. He understands it will take some time, but he said city officials are supportive of that effort.

So are we.