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| Kansas City Fire Fighter Memorial |
I have been a part of a fire service family for more that 30 years. My husband started out as a volunteer before being hired as a paid fire fighter 27 years ago. We have been married for 25 of those years. When I was in high school my mom, dad, aunt and uncle were also volunteer fire fighters in the community were we lived. My dad now works for a full time department and I also have a brother in law in the fire service. I am extremely proud of all of them.
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| Tim and I at at Fire Department awards banquet |
Because of the nature of their work and the schedule that it requires, this job is unlike any other. The men and women who choose this profession must except a lifestyle and risk that comes a long with it, and so do their families. Much like the military, the fire service is a family business. Fire fighters spend a third of their time at the station working, training, sharing meals and building camaraderie among their shift mates. They miss ball games, birthdays, school programs, anniversaries and holidays. These sacrifices are a part of job.
Because of the extended time spent at the fire station, crew members become more like family. They consider themselves brothers and sisters and are very protective and devoted to each other. This attitude extends past department boundaries, county or state lines and even country borders.
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| Memorial at Sprint Center, KCMO |
That was apparent this afternoon as thousands of people filled a large event venue here in Kansas City. They didn't come to see the latest rock concert or celebrity. They were there to pay respects to two fire fighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Local citizens, family members, friends and fellow fire fighters came to show support to the families and to say thank you for their service and sacrifice. Coverage for the department of the fallen was provided by neighboring cities so that anyone who wanted to attend could. That is how it's done in the fire service.
In the days to come, the story of these two brave men will no longer be in the news. Those who have chosen a career in the fire service will still be at work protecting the communities they serve. These are dedicated and humble men and women doing a job they love. They do this knowing the risk and excepting the sacrifices and their families do too
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| Our family a few years ago at the Fire Station. |
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