We’ve written this before, but it can’t be said enough — Ellsworth and other Ellsworth County towns are indeed fortunate to have well-trained, dedicated volunteers to serve on their fire departments.

We were reminded of that yet again this past weekend when the Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Department responded to two house fires on W. Second Street. Everyone inside the side-by-side houses escaped safely. Unfortunately, a firefighter was injured in the line of duty. He received burns to his hand and neck and an ear.

Fire chief Bob Kepka told the I-R Monday morning the firefighter was doing well, after being transferred to Wichita as a precaution.

Some of you may remember that nine years ago, Ellsworth firefighters — along with departments from across the county and beyond — responded to a Father’s Day fire at the office of the Ellsworth County I-R. Volunteers worked for hours in the heat of a June Sunday to save nearby buildings and businesses.

They’re always there when needed.

Just as dedicated — but away from public view for the most part — are the EMTs and medical staff that at the moment are on the front lines of a global health emergency.

They, too, remind those of us in Ellsworth County how fortunate we are.