After a recent rain a couple weeks ago, we had a beautiful morning here in Oakmont. Ann, our son Mark's fiancee, was walking by the big window in our home when she heard a loud POP! The noise seemed to come from the transformer on a pole in front of our home.

A quick consultation between the two of us and my hubby, and I called 911. Within minutes, we had a patrol car with two policemen, a Lower Valley Ambulance with medical personnel, one very large firetruck and approximately 12 firemen in front of our home.

Fortunately, nothing blew up or started to burn! However, the firemen found out that not only that transformer had blown, but the one on the corner of Tenth and Hulton on our side of the road had blown as well. The firemen then called Duquesne Light.

After our local emergency folks had left, we had a succession of 5 (FIVE) Duquesne Light trucks show up to take care of what could have been a huge problem.

While I am grateful for the electric company's fairly quick service, I really want to say that I am grateful that our Oakmont people were right there when we needed them. The volunteer fire department, the police force, and the EMTs/Paramedics all have dangerous jobs, but give freely of their time - for the community.

Two of our sons, Mark and Jon, have been volunteer firemen locally. Jon was also an EMT in this area, and later, he was a Paramedic/Fireman while he was stationed in Arizona as a Navy corpsman.

So I understand some of what these volaunteers and professionals go through to serve oiur communities and to be there when needed.

Our family, and I am certain the families on our block, are thankful to all who responded to the call, and thanks for being there for everyone in our town.

By the way, have you folks made a donation to the firemen? They send out one letter a year asking you to consider donating so that the fire department can go on. Remember, they are volunteers and they give freely and willingly of their time in order to keep us all safe.