I come from a family of firefighters. It’s a pretty common profession for Italian-Americans here in Colorado. So, when my husband Tom became a firefighter too, it’s not like I wasn’t used to the idea. Still … it takes a girl’s breath away to learn about any firefighters dying in the line of duty.
Nine died in South Carolina commercial building fire this week. Here is a link to the story.
So, today, rather than writing about Lilly, I’m taking a minute to honor these men:Billy Hutchinson
Mike Benke
Louis Mulkey
Mark Kelsey
Brad Baity
Michael French
Earl Drayton
Brandon Thompson
Melven Champaign
If you’d like to read more about others who have fallen in the line of duty, click here.
I won’t get on my soapbox too much, but I will point out that decisions made about building codes (like requiring sprinkers) and about other fire rules set by states, local governments, and very local fire districts impact the safety of firefighters on the job. Some such rules in my own community have been repealed, and I believe with all my heart that this change puts my husband at more risk.
Yes, the job is dangerous, but when “politics” trump safety, it’s unforgivable.
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