in-the-line-of-duty

I would list their names, but they have none. One of the Captains explained to me that when the Honor Guard is working "we don't have a name, we don't have a face .. we don't exist as individuals. It's not about us, it's about that family and seeing that they are taken care of".

Even the days when thousands of people don't need us, there are still several hundred who do. We are always working ... even on our days off.

I was able to attend the Weissman service but was on duty yesterday during Whitacre's Funeral. Both were well attended and those in attendance should be proud that our Brotherhood was well represented. Yes... our "Brotherhood". These families got to see first hand over the past few days and week what all the "hype" and Brotherhood "talk" is about. They experienced it first hand. If you attended one of the services.... you did too.

We attend these services for the survivors. The fallen are already in a better place. You attend for the family. The wives (or husbands), children , parents etc as well as for their extended family.... the Brothers and Sisters of their Department. You attend to let them know (and see) that they are not alone, their grief is shared and their support system endless.

I hope to see you there. I URGE you to attend if at all possible. Regardless of Rank or tenure ( if you're a "Rookie" firefighter...you definitely should attend). I believe we owe it to each other to do so. It's paying "RESPECT" to a Brother or Sister.

I got a call from Bill Finegan the other day. He told me the story of Danny McIntosh. It pissed me off !

I will be attending the funeral and have plenty of room if you'd like to ride ( Rhett will be out of town and unable to attend but we are taking the "Blog Mobile" ). I will be leaving Station #13 in Roanoke at 7am Thursday morning. We will return late Thursday night (We will be attending the 6pm wake as well).

Firefighter Pete Mclaughlin was killed in The Line of Duty on October 8, 1995 just a week or so after our last ride with R4. He was caught in a flash over with collapse. Later, they would name a street in Queen in honor and memory of Pete. You can read a small related article by clicking HERE . WELL DONE BROTHER ... continue to Rest in Peace and thanks again for the ride!

I guess, in a way; we were able to show the men of Rescue 2 that the Brotherhood is alive and well... and not just in New York City. Knowing that a lot of you who donated were sacrificing something to do so (big or small) was very humbling. Again I say THANK YOU !

It's not about us ... me, you, him or her. It's about US ... the Fire Service .. THE BROTHERHOOD. Maybe our small gestures will inspire greater ones from others ....