Our View: Thanks to public servants - in Ariz. and everywhere

The death of 19 firefighters who were battling a blaze near Prescott, Ariz., is a sad reminder that people who perform public service often end up paying dearly.

The 19 are heroes in everyone’s book. They started their day at work having no idea they would be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. Without qualm or question, they went out to defend their neighbors and friends from a wildfire that was out of control and endangering the small communities near Prescott.

For reasons that are being investigated, 19 of the 20 firefighters, the most elite in Arizona, were killed by the fire.

The deaths are yet another reminder that public employees risk their lives every day when they go to work.

In recent months, police, firefighters, social workers and paramedics have been killed on the job.

We owe our public servants who put their lives on the line daily the best protection possible and the utmost in our respect.

Firefighters across the nation are in mourning for the Arizona tragedy.

Across the Hi-Line, volunteers firefighters and paid firefighters in Havre risk their lives every time they go out on a call.

When you see firefighters, thank them for their service and offer condolences for the loss of their Arizona colleagues.