The sight of a firefighter in a local nightclub should give patrons a feeling of safety.

A Lawrence firefighter patrolling a crowded nightclub at midnight should be a welcome sight for people in the room.

Two recent nightclub tragedies that killed dozens of people in Chicago and Providence, R.I., have dramatically illustrated the dangers of violating fire codes, overcrowding a building or not providing adequate exits. Local bar patrons should be relieved to see that Lawrence Fire & Medical is taking a proactive approach to preventing a similar tragedy in Lawrence.

Nightclub owners also should applaud the department’s efforts to make their customers and employees feel safer. If violations are found, it is in the best interests not only of patrons, but of club owners to make sure those deficiencies are corrected.

Lawrence has many reasons to appreciate the work of its conscientious emergency personnel, particularly the firefighters who have earned a reputation for providing excellent service. Hats off to those who have patrolled local nightclubs for the past 15 years and continue to do so to help make Lawrence nightlife safer for all who frequent these entertainment establishments.