The words “thank you” do not seem adequate when a group of people have come to your aid in one of life’s challenging moments.

In March, dozens of volunteer firefighters, fire police and emergency medical service personnel reacted quickly when a fire broke out in the plaza where I operate my district office.

My staff and I were already at an event in another part of the district when we received calls that the Bagel Bunch restaurant located right next to us was on fire.

We rushed to the scene to find volunteer firefighters from six different fire companies, along with medical personnel at the ready.

Thankfully, no one was hurt but I will always be indebted to our local first responders for their quick response and actions that night to protect people and prevent further property destruction.

As you can imagine, our office sustained water and smoke damage, and will be closed for the next few months.

In the meantime, we have set up temporary quarters in the Good Will Fire Company No. 1, Trexlertown.

The address is 7723 Hamilton Blvd., Breinigsville PA 18031.

I also want to thank members of my team -Kathy McQuilken and Kailee Fisher in the district - and Sharon Shifflet in Harrisburg - for all of their efforts during this transition.

My staff and I remain committed to serving residents of the 187th District, and we welcome residents to visit us at this temporary location.

Residents can continue to use the same phone number at 610-760-7082, and can also email me at gday@pahousegop.com.

A variety of forms and applications are also available on my website at RepGaryDay.com.

A fire like this also brings greater awareness of the struggles faced by our volunteer fire companies.

As a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, we are tackling this issue and looking to develop policies to encourage more people to become volunteers, whether it’s to help ease their fundraising burdens, streamline training requirements or even cut through bureaucratic red tape they face.

Again, my deepest thanks to all of our community first responders, and remember that we are always here to serve you.

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Editor’s note: State Rep. Gary Day represents the 187th Legislative District which includes Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, Upper Macungie and Weisenberg townships in Lehigh County and Kutztown, Lyons and Maxatawny Township in Berks County.