Area firefighters got a hearty "thank you" and some extra cash Tuesday night for their public service efforts from Cal-Ore Life Flight.

Cal-Ore president Dan Brattain and General Manager Joe Gregorio donated $3,750 to eight area volunteer fire departments for their work in assisting Cal-Ore medical crews during 2003.

"This is just a way to say thank you," Brattain told members of the regional fire crews. "Without your help, it would be very difficult for us to operate as a company."

Eight local departments were thanked and honored at the ceremony. Agness, Brookings, Cape Ferrelo, Gold Beach, Harbor, Ophir, Pistol River and Winchuck volunteer fire departments all received gifts and a cash donation for their work. Brattain donated portions of the $3,750 to each department. Crews from those volunteer departments routinely assist Cal-Ore medical crews during emergency calls.

"There are a lot of times that we cannot physically do what we need to do. And without your guys' help, we could not get things done," Cary Hill, a Cal-Ore EMT supervisor said.

Brattain pointed out Cal-Ore ambulances will respond to more than 2,800 calls this year and they frequently call for fire personnel to assist with patient movement, CPR, and multiple-patient or difficult patient scenes.

"They are always there to help and it really benefits both our crews and the patients during true emergencies," Brattain said.

Cal-Ore responds to emergency calls from the California-Oregon border to the Prehistoric Gardens area. Brattain said the best way to assure good emergency response is through the cooperation of the local fire departments.

"It's kind of an overwhelming effort when you consider the amount of ground we cover out there," Brattain said. "Our communities are so fortunate to have such dedicated volunteer men and women who take time away from their work and families to assist all residents when in need."

Regional fire fighting agencies use Cal-Ore facilities for training, grant research and equipment.