Firefigthers return from Sandy cleanup

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) - Some southern Indiana firefighters are back in the Wabash Valley after making a relief run to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Seven members of the Vincennes Fire Department spent most of the week in the Bronx, providing a helping hand to fellow firemen.

The crew provided muscle and money for their firefighting brothers they had never met before.

Hurricane Sandy's devastation may have fallen off the front pages of the Wabash Valley, but the damage is still a problem for its victims.

The storm was indiscriminate in the way it dismantled the east coast.  Its victims even included those who spent most of their time helping the victims.

"A lot of times, in large scale tragedies, the firemen are always there to help the citizens.   And, a lot of times, you don't think of first responders needing help, as well, but it turns out they do," said Vincennes Firefighter Joe Dilley.

To provide that help seven members of the Vincennes Fire Department went to the Bronx to make a difference.

The crew from Vincennes spent hours working on the homes of retired New York City Firefighters and even made a cash donation to an active firefighter whose home was also badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

"In the fire service we look at it as a brotherhood and these guys are in need," said Dilley, "and we thought we'd go out there and try to make a difference and let them know that we care."

Because even though Vincennes may be a small fire department, a long way from the big city, all of those who stand at the ready and answer the calls to help others have a bond that make them family.

The Vincennes Firefighters stayed at fire houses in New York and also got a first hand look at the operations there.