Friday, October 14, 2022

A Firefighters Bond ... And More Than

 His began in 65' ~ For me, 77' ~ And though we never crossed the same fire-ground ~ The enjoyed conversations, spoke of similar smoke eating, fire breathing experiences. Often in midst of darkness ... on rainy days and in the frigid cold ... of zero dark thirty hours. Fear would be overcome by the pure joy of service. Into the commercial building ... the overturned vehicle ... your private residence ... perhaps Starbucks, Safeway or Home Depot ... 

Often responding just after taking the first bite of that juicy mushroom burger... or that specialty dish prepared by a fellow comrade. The tones command our immediate attention ~~ to join you ... the public ... at your worst possible moment! A family involved in a serious MVA at the corner of 13th and State ... A Co-worker with an anaphylactic response to unexpected nuts ... CPR required on her 55 year old husband ... or perhaps the frequent diabetic or seizure patient. Other times, we were attempting to save your valuables from the early morning fire. Or even freeing little Timmy's Fido, who somehow trapped himself in one of the most unique predicaments. We never knew what to expect. Part of the joy of being a firefighter. Every call, every tap-out ... it was like ... A new job ... each and every response. 

Circa 1970's Salem Fire House

And then, a return to the House. To the soggy burger, or that once in a lifetime specialty dish ~ Sure must have been wonderful... an hour ago. A game of Texas Holdem ... Cribbage, Ping Pong ... Until the tones once again set us in motion. And they call this a job. Dude!!!

Off duty ... building cabinets, joining our children ... later, our grandchildren in their schools, at their games. Twenty-four ... or, Forty-eight hours off ... then Twenty-four ... Forty-eight hours on. Thirty years of life given to service. To a brotherhood that few experience ... few can imagine. 

Duane ~ in his Cabinet Shop

But in this brotherhood ... this Bond is enhanced ... For a day is coming when once again we will reminisce ... not solely about the fireground. Duane, we will complete our conversations of our Savior's faithfulness. Shift after shift, by His Grace, we were returned to the safety of our families. You have now been transported to the Father's arms. We miss you! But hold a place at the table ... we'll join you soon!

Your brother fire fighter & brother in Christ, 

Rick Williams 

Ps ... I can't wait to see the cabinets that the Father had you build for some of those Mansions which He has prepared.  And inlaying them in gold, I can see you grinning ear to ear ...


 

Might each of us enjoy our twilight years as Duane was able. That is in the manner in which his grandchildren displayed Ephesians 6 honor. "Honor your mother, father (and grandparents), which is the first commandment with a promise".
 

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