The fire that tore through the Coldenham Fire Department’s station last week did far more than damage a building. It struck at the heart of a volunteer organization that has stood ready, day and night, to protect its neighbors.

For the men and women of Coldenham Fire-Rescue, the firehouse is more than a garage for trucks. It is a second home, a place where volunteers train, answer emergency calls, celebrate accomplishments and support one another through difficult times. In a matter of hours, much of what they had worked so hard to build was lost.

Yet even as flames consumed their station, Coldenham’s firefighters did what firefighters always do. They rushed toward danger. Several attempted to save apparatus from the burning building so those vehicles could continue protecting the community. Five firefighters were injured in the effort. Fortunately, all were treated and released, but their willingness to risk themselves for others is a reminder of the selfless spirit that defines volunteer firefighters.

Chief Matthew Hunt’s words captured that spirit perfectly: “Our station may be severely damaged, our rigs may be mostly destroyed, but rest assured we are still here.”

Those words should reassure every resident of the Coldenham Fire District. Buildings can be rebuilt. Fire trucks can be replaced. The commitment of the volunteers who answer the pager at 3 a.m. cannot.

This tragedy also demonstrated one of the greatest strengths of the fire service: no department stands alone.

The response from neighboring departments was immediate and inspiring. Firefighters from Bullville, Montgomery, the City of Newburgh, Orange Lake, Plattekill, Walden, Washingtonville, Winona Lake, Stewart Air National Guard Base and many other agencies rushed to Coldenham’s aid. They battled the blaze, protected surrounding properties and have since loaned apparatus and equipment to ensure the district remains protected.

That is mutual aid at its finest—not just a policy written on paper, but a promise fulfilled when it matters most.

The support has extended well beyond the fire service. Residents have stopped by to offer encouragement. Local businesses and organizations have provided assistance. Community members delivered meals, offered supplies and asked one simple question: “How can we help?”

The answer now is equally simple.

Support the Coldenham Fire Department.

If you are able, make a contribution to the department’s recovery fundraiser. Purchase apparel through the “Coldenham Strong” campaign, coordinated by Fusion Graphix (stores.myfusiongraphix.com/coldenham_strong_we_stand_toget/shop/product-detail) or through gofundme.com, which had received 60 donations and had raised $4,112 as of August 2. Every dollar will help replace equipment, rebuild facilities and assist the volunteers as they recover from this devastating loss.

Just as importantly, continue to support volunteer fire departments throughout our region. Every community depends on men and women who leave family dinners, holiday celebrations and warm beds to answer emergency calls without expecting a paycheck. Recruiting and retaining volunteers has become increasingly difficult. Events like this remind us just how much we ask of these dedicated individuals—and how much they give in return.

The investigation into the cause of the fire will continue. In time, there will be answers. There will also be rebuilding.

If the outpouring of support over the past week is any indication, Coldenham Fire-Rescue will not face that challenge alone.

The fire may have damaged a firehouse, but it has also revealed something stronger than brick and mortar: a community united behind those who have spent decades protecting it.

Now it is our turn to answer the call.