Residents here in Pike County experienced their own Christmas miracle on Tuesday as a likely tornado whipped through our county late that night, leaving a swath of damage in its wake.

The storm destroyed chicken houses and homes but, thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.

While officials are still working to determine the storm’s strength and to assess the extent of the damage, few who have seen the damage question the danger or strength of the storm.

While giving thanks for the safety of our residents, let’s also give kudos – and thanks – for the emergency personnel, utility crews and first responders who spent their Christmas night in the midst of the storm.

From law enforcement officials who drove miles along county roads to check on residents to the Troy Fire Department and are volunteer firefighters who helped extract trapped residents from mobile homes, these folks bravely stepped up and worked tirelessly to help provide comfort and security in a frightening situation. Pike County EMA officials worked to keep the public notified, both before and during the event, and are working to coordinate recovery efforts. Utility crews worked through the night and well into the day, trying to restore power to residents.

And, there are the unspoken heroes – like the two women who passed out blankets to needy residents in the early hours on Wednesday, or the elected officials who came to lend a hand to the response.

While no one relishes the thought of facing a weather emergency, it’s good to know we have these folks on our side if needed.