GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- While fire dispatcher Willie DeBack went off to Iraq to serve in the war, his fellow firefighters served him and his family by helping out around his house and filling in for him at work.
Some made the 50-mile round trip to Clarksville to shovel snow from his driveway. Others volunteered for his shifts, which allowed him to get paid and keep his benefits.
``They're not looking for recognition or anything,'' DeBack told The Grand Rapids Press for a Wednesday story. ``It makes me realize the fire department is really a brother- and a sisterhood. They take care of their own.''
DeBack, 37, returned to work Monday for the first time since he was called to active duty in July 2003. He serves with the Army Reserve's 401st Transportation Company, which is based in Battle Creek. His unit hauled fuel, weapons and food across Iraq.
DeBack spent several months training in Kuwait before his company joined a combat unit and went to Iraq in January 2004. He was in Tikrit when former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was captured.
Two members of his company were killed and many suffered wounds from weapons fire, mortar and roadside bombs, DeBack said. Knowing his fellow firefighters were helping his family was a huge load off his mind.
DeBack said the medical benefits were especially helpful because his wife, Rachel, had a baby girl while he was gone. The couple celebrated Greta's first birthday on Sunday.
Federal law requires employers to hold the jobs of reservists who are called to active duty, but it doesn't require them to pay those workers or provide benefits. The firefighters who filled DeBack's shifts weren't compensated.
Fire Chief John VanSolkema said he's not surprised the firefighters volunteered to help.
``We live together nine days a month,'' he said. ``We draw real close. We try to keep and take care of each other.''
DeBack was one of three members of the Grand Rapids Fire Department called up for the war. Others still on active duty are Tony Hendges, a fleet maintenance supervisor, and firefighter Andy Nowack. They also are getting benefits thanks to firefighters who are filling some of their shifts, said Tony Beurkens, former president of the firefighters union.
