Over the past week, I had the opportunity to meet with our local first responders throughout Central and Southside Virginia who work together to protect the two cities, 21 counties and 39 towns that make up Virginia’s Fifth District.

We owe it to these brave men and women to adopt policies that support first responders and encourage more people to take part in these vital services. In February of last year I voted in favor of one such initiative — H.R. 33, the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, which was subsequently signed into law by the president.

From Lunenburg, to Lynchburg, to Warrenton, to Charlottesville, to Danville, it is always an honor to meet with our local emergency responders and volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to running toward danger to ensure our safety. I am always grateful for the opportunity to hear from these leaders in order to take their concerns back to Washington.

Robert Hurt, a Republican, represents Lunenburg County in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be reached at his Farmville office at (434) 395-0120.