At a time when many volunteer fire departments are experiencing new-member-recruitment difficulties, it's refreshing to hear about people like Claire Gallagher, who was honored the other day for 55 years of service with the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department.

A photo in the Dec. 25 edition of the Butler Eagle showed Gallagher receiving a plaque marking his department-membership milestone.

When Gallagher became a Harmony firefighter in 1950, it was less commonplace to hear of volunteer fire units having problems attracting new members. At that time, the pace of life seemed slower and people seemed to have more time to spare.

But with many people traveling greater distances in connection with work or other family responsibilities, more men and women find they do not have a window of time to devote to fire department membership and the stepped-up training obligations that such service now entails.

Fortunately for the Harmony department, Gallagher has been able to continue his dedication to the department despite all of the changes that have occurred in his life and in the fire service over the years. His willingness to remain a part of the department puts him in a special category of individuals who should be recognized beyond the department level.

Hopefully, in the years ahead, the membership challenges volunteer departments currently are experiencing will be resolved through efforts such a junior firefighter programs and other incentives. However, for now, it's appropriate to reflect on the dedication of people like Gallagher, who are becoming harder to find not only in Butler County but in other areas across the state.