July is a very good month. The sun is warm, many are enjoying vacations, and the Andover Fire Department gets to enjoy our Fourth of July activities and our barbeque. The spirit of our nation’s birth is renewed, and Andover celebrates the holiday with grace and pride.

My thinking, however, has been moving beyond just the celebration of the day and more about our nation. It seems that we, as a country, are facing more challenges beyond our shores. Although our nation has faced incredible dangers through our history, we still pay a high price for our freedom, even today.

The debt that we pay as a nation more often than not must be paid by our men and women in uniform. We call upon our very best to leave their families and take incredible risk. Asking for their service for multiple deployments shows their unselfish dedication to our nation.

We need to think about their service and dedication as we enjoy our freedom with our families this year. Take a little time to thank our service people; we owe them much.

Fourth of July

Our tent on the Village Green will be a busy place on the Fourth. We have a very nice kayak with a paddle, life jacket, and this year, a fishing pole. A $1 chance is all it takes to win. We have fresh water and snow cones.

We will be adding a room to our tent space to make space for the Andover Emergency Medical Services team. They will be demonstrating a lifesaving cardiac compressions device. The team is working to raise the $16,000 needed to purchase the machine. Please stop by and see how CPR is accomplished at the EMT level. The tool is amazing, and the EMS team is pretty good, too.

To our men and women in uniform: Thanks for your service! Please be safe, and if possible gain some comfort in the knowledge that we, your emergency services, are here to serve your family, whatever the need.

To everyone: Have a happy and safe Fourth of July celebration!