As the wildfires of the century have been ripping through our state, we have all become dramatically aware of the importance of our fire fighting crews. Throughout this disaster, we have seen signs of praise posted along roads and fences in all of the counties so hard hit by the fires. We can't thank you enough for valiantly and selflessly fighting these fires, and for saving uncountable numbers of homes and businesses. I only hope that the sense of debt to these warriors doesn't fade out as the last of the embers smolder.

There is a way for all of us to deliver to these civil servants the respect that they so deserve, and it's as simple as following the law. The following statement comes from the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles handbook, required reading to get a driver's license in the state of Florida:

"Pedestrians and drivers must yield the right-of-way to law-enforcement cars, fire engines and other emergency vehicles using sirens and/or flashing lights. Pull over to the closest edge of the roadway right away and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed."

Countless times I have observed drivers who show total disregard to emergency vehicles, and many who simply refuse to yield the right of way. I have seen fire engines come to a halt in a roadway, or be forced to drive in the median in order to get around selfish drivers who apparently don't give a damn if someone else is having an emergency.

Please keep this in mind the next time that a fire engine, ambulance or any other emergency vehicle comes up behind you. They can only get there in time to help you if we allow them to.

Maggie Riley Maggie Riley was born to Irish Immigrant parents who settled in the Central Florida area in the early 60's. She runs a business locally, and is a freelance true crime writer in her spare time. Other Articles I've Written