On Tuesday flags were flying at half-staff in Charleston and in Braxton County after Gov. Jim Justice ordered they be lowered to honor Gassaway Volunteer Firefighter John D. Forbush. It was the least officials could do to honor the sacrifice of a man who was willing to put his own life at risk to try to save others.

Forbush lost his life May 1 when he tried to save a woman and child who were trapped in a submerged vehicle in the Elk River. He was 24.

“This brave firefighter should be known as a hero to all West Virginians,” Justice said.

His loss is a reminder how grateful we should be that such men and women are willing to serve their communities as volunteer first responders. Though they do not always garner the spotlight that shines on those who choose such roles as a career (and, to be clear, those folks are heroes through and through), volunteers are just as worthy of admiration and gratitude.

Men and women like Forbush love their communities and decide they are willing to place themselves in harm’s way when they are called. In many of our rural areas, they are the only ones available for such service.

“We can never thank our firefighters and all of our first responders enough for how they always run to the fire and put their lives on the line for all of us,” Justice said. That is true.

But today, we can honor one of them. And while our hearts go out to Forbush’s friends, family and fellow volunteers, we hope they know today just how thankful we are.