From Anson to Alaska Firefighters serve far beyond West Texas

 By Shelly Womack If you live in Anson, you may already know Seth Morris and PJ Rodriguez—not just as neighbors, but as everyday heroes. As firefighters, they face danger head-on, and re cently, they’ve taken their service far beyond city limits— responding to natural disasters in Kerr County and even the rugged wilderness of Alaska. Both men have dedicated most of their adult lives to the Anson Volunteer Fire Department. They’re also part of the Texas A&M Forest Service, which deploys them across the country wherever they’re needed most. Most recently, Morris and Rodriguez responded to two major disasters in very different parts of the nation. Morris traveled to Alaska, where he battled fast-moving wildfires that threatened wildlife, homes, and entire communities. “Seth traveled to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, where he battled massive, fast-moving wildfires—working tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and the natural beauty that others may never even see,” the Anson Chamber of Commerce shared. “His work left a mark on a land most of us will never set foot on, but his impact there is lasting.” Back in Texas, Rodriguez was deployed to Kerr County in the wake of devastating floods. From clearing debris to searching for the missing, Rodriguez stepped in to provide help and hope in a community reeling from loss. “What they see, what they carry, most of us will never understand. And still—they go. Again and again,” the An son Chamber of Commerce shared. “Seth. PJ. You are the heartbeat of this town. You represent everything good and selfless and brave about what it means to be a Hometown Hero. We see you. We are proud of you. And we thank you—not just for what you do, but for who you are.” But even heroes need a support system. Behind both courageous men stands a network of family, friends, and fellow firefighters—offering strength, love, and encour agement every step of the way