Related: Keokuk Council Won't Pay for Funerals
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HARRY R. CARTER, Ph.D., MIFireE
As one who was a firefighter and officer in a large metropolitan city for more than a quarter of a century, I thought that I had seen it all. It was not the death and destruction involved that got to me as much as it was the ignorance and disdain of the people who held elected office. Or more correctly, it was their unwillingness to listen to reasonable arguments for improved fire protection.
A professional in any field of endeavor does their job to the best of their ability regardless of whatever circumstances present themselves. None of us takes up the shield and sword of fire protection with a goal of public praise and great riches. But, what we do expect is a fair shake and some decent support.
Recent events in the fire service have shown us that there is a great deal of sacrifice involved in being a modern firefighter. First it was our six brothers in Worcester who made the supreme sacrifice. Then it was our three brothers in Keokuk, Iowa. Then just this week it was our brother and sister from Houston. And don’t forget the scores of others who have died singly, in a wide range of communities all across America.
In every case that we know of, the individuals involved received a hero’s farewell. This is as it should be. It harks back to the Biblical invocations about giving one’s life to save another. What we usually do not see, or read about are the details about the manner in which the deceased firefighter’s families are treated by those for whom they died; their fire departments and municipal governments. At least I had not seen such information until today.
On Thursday February 17, 2000, the members of the Keokuk, Iowa City Council voted not to pay for the funerals of the three brave men who gave their lives for that very community. I learned of this fact from an Internet message posted by Richard Arwood of the Fire Service Institute at Iowa State University.
I hesitated before answering the message Chief Arwood posted to the list, but as one who has battled in the trenches of the fire service for many years now, I thought that I had seen just about every skinflint, cheapskate, no good trick that politicians could play upon the fire service. But just when you think that you have seen it all, up pops an example that tops them all.
Now I am fairly certain that the good politicians of Keokuk had the advice
of a lawyer on this. No politician goes to the bathroom without the advice of a lawyer. And I am also fairly certain that there was no legal or contractual requirement to pay for the funeral expenses. But that is where my uncertainty stops.
What I am certain of is that these local government politicians are among the most anatomically incorrect people on the face of the earth. What part of their anatomy is missing you might ask? Why it is the heart, don't you see? My research in the February 18, 2000 Des Moines Register further indicates that these are the same compassionate soles who terminated hospitalization coverage to the families of the brave heroes.
This reminds me of the time that a fellow member of the Newark Fire Department died. The front office heroes wanted to know whether he died before or after 1200 hrs. When I asked why they needed to know their answer was, "… well if he died before 1200 hr., then we don’t pay the family for that day when we settle up." I wonder if that person has relatives on the Keokuk City Council.
In the NFD, we always strove to do the right thing by our men, even if the powers that be didn't. But the ladies and gentlemen who constitute the governing body in Keokuk apparently lack the common sense and common decency to help out the families of the men who DIED doing their duty.
I know that this would motivate the living daylights out of me. But then the reality of life would bleed back in, and well, life would go on. We should all thank the Lord that the dedicated members of the fire department in Keokuk will probably react like firefighters the world over. They will grumble, and grouse. They will raise a stink to high heaven. And then when the bells ring, and a life is on the line, they will mount up and head out to do their duty.
Maybe someday I will meet a politician who knows the meaning of "... do the right thing." Until then you will see me in dark areas, moving about with a lantern, doing my best imitation of Diogenes. Only, I will be in search of a politician with a sense of decency, and a regard for the sincere sacrifice and service of America’s Fire Service.
I want to suggest that we all rally around those families. We have to create a firestorm of protest. We must hold those politician’s feet to the fire. I would suggest we form our own "Pay for the Funeral’s" fund, as a way of shaming those people.
How about it? I will donate the first $100. But who will handle this? I went to Firehouse.Com and found these three sites:
- Keokuk Firefighters Memorial Fund
Keokuk Savings Bank
501 Main St
Keokuk, IA 52632
(319) 524-2329
- Keokuk Fire Fighter Memorial Fund
c/o Keokuk Fire Department
111 South 13th Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
- For surviving family members Melissa Cooper and Jacob McFarland
Church of Christ
220 S. 13th St.
Keokuk, IA 52632
(319) 524-4814
Wouldn’t a sudden burst of money be a great way to help people who have already given more than anyone should be asked to give?
And be sure to include a note to the fund trustees, telling them that you are pitching in to make up for the Keokuk Cheapskates.
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Harry R. Carter, Ph.D., MIFireE, is an internationally known municipal
fire protection consultant and contributing editor to Firehouse Magazine. He recently retired as a Battalion Commander with the Newark, New Jersey Fire Department.
His commentary appears regularly on Firehouse.Com. For more commentary and information,
visit Carter's web site at
www.harrycarter.com
