Firefighters and police officers, and all of those who are considered first responders, are true treasures. They are — in most cases — the very best amongst us.

When a building is on fire, firefighters are the ones who risk their lives to run in, while others run out.

When the scanner goes off about a possible domestic disturbance, it is not us who drive to the situation, not sure if this particular domestic violence call will turn more violent and deadly.

It is not us who go to work where the required work attire is fire resistant clothing, boots and a breathing apparatus, of where the standard uniform consists of body armor.

When it comes to first responders, at every level, it is our obligation as a society to provide them the very best, whether that be through support, through paying our taxes or simply covering them in prayer each evening before we go to bed.

So, the current debate about excessive unscheduled overtime in the city of Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Fire Department is not one of support, but rather of management. It is not a question of need, but a question of the way in which that need is provided.

Not one single person should ever bemoan the level of pay earned by first responders. Quite the contrary, they instead should bemoan how little they actually get paid for the valuable service they provide.

We should strive as a society to ensure our first responders have the finest equipment, the finest training and the strongest support possible. What we ask in return is quality and timely service and an assurance that the support we do provide is used in a responsible manner.

The war of words between city hall and the firehouse has at times grown very personal even though both sides quickly deny emotion is playing a role. We’re human, it happens. Admit it.

But, the level of unscheduled overtime, the majority of which is going to just a handful of fire department personnel does warrant concern and does warrant being addressed.

Just think if half of the $800,000 in unscheduled overtime already spent this year could have instead been reinvested in equipment, facilities or training. Just imagine instead of a handful benefitting that the entire department could benefit.

The overtime issue is one that needs to be addressed and done so in a timely manner, but on the flip side, city leaders should take the time to survey the department’s personnel on what they need, review the facilities in which they work and live and evaluate the equipment they use to save our lives, our property.

We urge calmer heads prevail in this discussion and that a solution, a reasonable and responsible solution, can be reached.

As then Illinois State Rep. Abraham Lincoln once said to his colleagues in the Illinois House of Representatives in 1858, said “A house divided cannot stand.”