By Ron Semple

For the Enterprise

They would not admit to being heroes if you called them that as hundreds of Davie County residents do.

They would mumble something about just doing their job.

But Jerry Myers, the County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator, knows better.

During his 27 years in emergency management he has worked with every fire department, rescue team, EMS crew and 911 dispatcher in every conceivable emergency where life, limb and property were at risk.

“They’re heroes, all right,” Myers said. “They prove that every day.”

Myers will be the master of ceremonies on Nov. 11 at the First Annual Heroes Ball to be held at WinMock Barn, off US 158 in the Kinderton section of Bermuda Run.

“I’m delighted to join the community in honoring these men and women who devote their lives to helping others when they need it most,” Myers said.

“It’s always this way. It’s worth noting that in World War II when London was being bombed every night during the Blitz, firemen who quit to join the military were called ‘cowards.’  That’s how dangerous it can be.

“Most of us wouldn’t or couldn’t devote countless hours training just to be ready to answer that call in the middle of night to cope with a fire, deal with a wreck or help save someone whose heart is threatening to quit. But they do and now it’s our chance to say “Thank you.”

Tickets for the Heroes Ball are still available and can be ordered on line at eventbrite.com and typing in “Davie County Heroes Ball” or by calling 336-751-2222. The cost is $30 each for first responders and $60 each for others. The price is reduced to $50 each for a table of 12.

The event includes dinner, dancing, recognition of first responders and military veterans and the showing of videos with survivors telling their stories of how first responders saved their lives. The event is black tie optional and first responders and military people are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

Wendy Terry is the organizer and chair of the event.

The ball hopes to raise $1,000 for the widows and orphans fund of the Davie County Firefighters Association. Any money raised beyond that will go to help purchase a midsize hazardous materials and multipurpose vehicle to backup the Mocksville Fire Department’s hazmat truck.

Center Led The Way

An article Oct. 13 cited County Line Volunteer Fire Department as being the lead agency in helping wreck victim, Kevin Lee. Although they helped, the Center Volunteer Department was the lead agency.