hfdfao
08-23-2000, 10:38 PM
How Soon We Forget
I just finished reading the article in Esquire Magazine covering the tragedy that took place in Worcester on December 3rd, 1999. Never have I been so emotionally torn between the feelings I have for the job I do, and the feelings I have for the families and members of the Worcester Fire Department. The true depth of the loss has not begun to be felt. Wives without husbands, kids without dads, and families left forever wondering why their loved ones chose this dangerous, but rewarding line of work.
Then I became angry, angry because just last week I spoke with a member of the Worcester Fire Department, and he said that nothing has changed. This city that lost 6 great men has seen fit to move on as though nothing happened. I am not speaking of the citizens, because I witnessed first hand their support as I walked through the streets of Worcester. I am speaking of the politicians; the very people who have the power to make some good come from one of the most horrible tragedies of our time by infusing some hard earned and hard-spent tax dollars into a fire department that desperately needs it. These people could very easily show their respect for those who risk their lives, and give their support for the people that they have entrusted to run their department. That’s right “their” department. The City Manager and Mayor have an obligation to support “their” department and to support the Fire Chief in his efforts, just as the Chief has an obligation to support the Fire fighters and protect them to the best of his ability.
Then I became even angrier, because the apathy that sits so well with the City managers in Worcester sits just as well in many other communities across this great land. So I ask myself why do we, the Fire Fighters, continue to do this. Why do we continue to go out and risk our lives, depriving our families of a “normal” life of 6:00pm dinners and weekends off, when so many of the people we serve look for every way to make our job harder? This is a question I can’t answer. My own reasons are for the enormous sense of pride I get in knowing that I have given for my neighbors, and that hopefully they are better off for it.
The Worcester six as they are now known; Lucey and Brotherton, Spencer and Jackson, Lyons and McGuirk; these six individuals, these three teams, this one group will always be remembered for giving the greatest sacrifice they could for helping their neighbors. There is a message in that sacrifice. Fire Fighters will continue to give, no matter what the circumstances, no matter how they are equipped, no matter what the odds. That’s the nature of our profession. Its unfortunate that across this country that every citizen won’t make a much smaller sacrifice to ensure that these brave individuals, my brothers and sisters, can safely carry on the tradition, the service, the commitment to a community – we call Fire fighting.
David LeBlanc, President – Harwich Permanent Fire Fighters Assoc. – Local 2124 - IAFF
Harwich Fire Department
Harwich, MA
------------------
Remember, when the Chief says "gimme a second" he might just be collecting his thoughts!
Dave LeBlanc
hfdfao@hotmail.com
I just finished reading the article in Esquire Magazine covering the tragedy that took place in Worcester on December 3rd, 1999. Never have I been so emotionally torn between the feelings I have for the job I do, and the feelings I have for the families and members of the Worcester Fire Department. The true depth of the loss has not begun to be felt. Wives without husbands, kids without dads, and families left forever wondering why their loved ones chose this dangerous, but rewarding line of work.
Then I became angry, angry because just last week I spoke with a member of the Worcester Fire Department, and he said that nothing has changed. This city that lost 6 great men has seen fit to move on as though nothing happened. I am not speaking of the citizens, because I witnessed first hand their support as I walked through the streets of Worcester. I am speaking of the politicians; the very people who have the power to make some good come from one of the most horrible tragedies of our time by infusing some hard earned and hard-spent tax dollars into a fire department that desperately needs it. These people could very easily show their respect for those who risk their lives, and give their support for the people that they have entrusted to run their department. That’s right “their” department. The City Manager and Mayor have an obligation to support “their” department and to support the Fire Chief in his efforts, just as the Chief has an obligation to support the Fire fighters and protect them to the best of his ability.
Then I became even angrier, because the apathy that sits so well with the City managers in Worcester sits just as well in many other communities across this great land. So I ask myself why do we, the Fire Fighters, continue to do this. Why do we continue to go out and risk our lives, depriving our families of a “normal” life of 6:00pm dinners and weekends off, when so many of the people we serve look for every way to make our job harder? This is a question I can’t answer. My own reasons are for the enormous sense of pride I get in knowing that I have given for my neighbors, and that hopefully they are better off for it.
The Worcester six as they are now known; Lucey and Brotherton, Spencer and Jackson, Lyons and McGuirk; these six individuals, these three teams, this one group will always be remembered for giving the greatest sacrifice they could for helping their neighbors. There is a message in that sacrifice. Fire Fighters will continue to give, no matter what the circumstances, no matter how they are equipped, no matter what the odds. That’s the nature of our profession. Its unfortunate that across this country that every citizen won’t make a much smaller sacrifice to ensure that these brave individuals, my brothers and sisters, can safely carry on the tradition, the service, the commitment to a community – we call Fire fighting.
David LeBlanc, President – Harwich Permanent Fire Fighters Assoc. – Local 2124 - IAFF
Harwich Fire Department
Harwich, MA
------------------
Remember, when the Chief says "gimme a second" he might just be collecting his thoughts!
Dave LeBlanc
hfdfao@hotmail.com