REFLECTION

   Hello firefighters, as I thought about writing this article, I reflected on current situations going on around us… Which led me to staying with the theme that I have been using pretty much every time I write to you: Family and its importance, being it blood or our brothers and sisters in the fire service--and what we may deal with either in our personal life or at an emergency scene.

   Let’s reflect on some recent events. As we leave for our shifts or head out the door when the pager goes off, our families - and even we - believe that we will be coming back home safe and in one piece. For BC Harwood and BC Morrison of Idaho that was tragically not the case. It angers me to think that when these two responded to that call, they probably had no idea that they were going to get ambushed, but they were. We should never think that a call is a routine call, but this one should never have ended the way it did. Preparing on the way to a call, working the call, and returning back to our stations or homes should be what we all have on our minds. We are taught to keep our heads on a swivel and recognize hazards around us, but I would guess most of us would never think to watch out for someone hiding in the woods, waiting to ambush us. 

   I have also been reflecting on those affected in Kerrville, TX, and the rescue/recovery efforts still going on there.  The devastation that the responders are dealing with is horrendous; many probably know some of the people affected. No different than you or me, they are putting their lives on the line during their shifts, doing their very best to help others, and then planning on going home to their families. Some may be dealing with the results of the flood on a personal level. Many communities in our state have dealt with devastation as well. And, if any firefighters come home after taking care of their duties and have more to deal with at home, I’m guessing most always, the firefighter families are there to help.  This is how the fire family works. 

   I have also been reflecting on a few situations closer to home. The senseless acts on Representative Hortman and Senator Hoffman saddens me. Representative Hortman was an advocate for the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program on the House side. The mental health assistance from this program helps firefighters who may have responded to devastating types of calls (like the ones I have shared in this article), or any difficult calls that have caused trauma to the responders. I ask that you please use this service, if needed, as it is there for all of us. It is our hope to prevent another tragedy, such as that of Amboy firefighter Andrew Karels, who died by suicide after struggling with an extremely difficult call. My prayers go out to all the families who have been affected in any way with these events.

   I thank you, firefighters and your families, for the job that you do every day. As always, stay safe. 

Dale Grochow, 

MSFDA President