'When Tragedy Strikes'

SHIFT 23...Rick's ReFlections of his 32 years career in the Fire Service...

Of the great variety of calls that we respond to in the Fire Department, none is perhaps more terrifying than a collapse. Whether it is above or below ground, trying to determine if the incident is safe to proceed into is often a very tough call. Such was the case on July 31, 1997 as Iron Workers were working on the construction of the seven story structure. I still remember the tap out, “fire department, you are responding on a collapse of the parking structure adjacent to the terminal.” Usually dispatch would state the particular vehicles that would respond and give further instructions, but I imagine that they figured that the entire station would be responding and that ‘collapse’ would be more than sufficient. That particular day I happened to be on one of our ARFF vehicles and was able to get within walking distance of the incident. The Rescue and the Engine responded around front and myself and one other member walked from the back side of the terminal. Upon arrival we attempted to determine if there were other workers or bystanders that might be in the way of danger and if the structure had any appearance of further collapse. We were able to move some ‘non-essential’ people back, but with three men down, and unknown if others, it was difficult to even begin to request the ‘Iron Workers’ to stop assisting and looking for fellow brothers. So assist their fallen brothers they did in a most honorable way. In the end, the metal gave the appearance of a child’s toy Lincoln Logs in which three men had lost their lives. It would be exactly a month later that two of our firefighters would retire, something that they had previously planned. Now they would have this scene play through their minds as one of their last memories of a long and distinguished career. 

- Praying...for the families of Sandy Hook -

On a side note: This particular post had been written days before posting it today the 14^th of December. As I write about ‘when tragedy strikes’ our county has experienced in the past three days men with rifles creating heinous acts of destruction. My prayers go out…as they had in 1997 for the men and their families of the parking structure, now for the families of Clackamas, Oregon and Newtown, Connecticut. It is one thing for a natural disaster or an unfortunate accident; it is another when man brings so much pain…so very much pain. Our empathy goes out to you Clackamas and to you Newtown.

In leading music this Sunday morning I am planning to sing Casting Crowns version of ‘Joyful, Joyful’. We come from so many walks of life, different beliefs. And though I will respect wherever you’re at, I continue to place my hope, my trust in Christ…in His love, His reconciliation, His redemption. Lord, “teach us how to love each other”.

Thank you Pella, Iowa for offering your beautiful rendition...this is the beauty of school...this is the beauty of children...the way it should be.