As The Roslyn News reported three weeks ago, March 25 marked the second anniversary of the death of Captain Allen Frye of the Roslyn Rescue Fire Company. As we gathered to remember Al and the fateful night that took his life, we were also warmly reminded of how the Roslyn community came together to support the fire department in its time of need. For that, we will be forever grateful.

We should all be reminded that the local fire department is comprised exclusively of volunteers who opt to spend their spare time serving the community. Capt. Frye was no different and tragically lost his life while conducting a training session for firefighters on Glen Cove Road in Greenvale.

The spirit of volunteering is essential to all communities for the provision of a number of different services, from religious organizations to charities to emergency services. The fire department is only one such opportunity for those who are interested in getting involved in public service to make a measurable difference in their community. As a community , we are fortunate to be protected from the perils of fire by some of the most dedicated and well-trained volunteers around, yet nationwide there is a growing paucity of new volunteers signing up.

We didn't want to let this anniversary pass without acknowledging the importance of the spirit of volunteering, which can best be explained this way: "You cannot hold the torch to brighten another's path without brightening your own."

Robert Williams, acting president; Michael Conklin, chief of department, Rescue Hook & Ladder Co. No1 Roslyn