While we were hunkered down inside our homes, fearful that the next gust of Irene’s wicked winds would inflict property damage or endanger lives, the lone comfort during those frightening hours was that someone had our back.

We couldn’t see those brave rescuers at that precise moment, but they were there….ready, willing and able to provide assistance at a moment’s notice.

Hurricane Irene is long gone, but the advance preparation by county officials here in the Roanoke-Chowan area, especially those manning our fire departments, rescue squads, law enforcement agencies and Emergency Command Centers, provided a giant safety net for the citizens of Bertie, Gates, Hertford and Northampton counties.

Thanks to hours and hours of training by all branches of our local emergency responders, they are highly skilled when it comes to protecting lives and property, no matter what card Mother Nature decides to play. They also help to coordinate the logistics of having state and federal agencies to provide aid to those in need.

Our little corner of the world may be shortchanged when it comes to retail opportunities and a social nightlife, but what we do not lack is people that care. This newspaper had the opportunity to work closely with our area’s emergency management teams and responders before, during and after Hurricane Irene. These professionals put aside their personal safety and that of their families to be in place to protect you.

So, the next time a storm – whether a hurricane, tornado, a foot of snow, or even an earthquake – affects our area, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.

– The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald