RSS
A salute to our heroes
Nick Picozzi Jr. never flinched when he heard the alarm.
He simply did what he and his band of dedicated brothers always do. He answered the call.
It wasn’t the first time. No one thought it would be the last. That is the daunting danger volunteer firefighters face every time they answer the bell.
We spent much of yesterday talking about Picozzi, who was killed in a fire in an Upper Chichester home. That’s part of the problem.
Too often we take Picozzi and the other dedicated volunteers that man all those fire houses that dot the Delaware County landscape for granted.
We are comfortable tucked away in our little suburban cocoons knowing that someone like Picozzi will answer the call when that bell sounds.
As we roll over in our beds, they simply roll.
That’s what they did again yesterday, responding to an urgent plea, a house on fire in their town.
Most of these dedicated men and women perform their invaluable service in anonymity.
Until something goes wrong. As it did yesterday.
And as it did back in August, when six firefighters were injured battling a blaze inside a Parkside townhouse. Or a month later in Sharon Hill, when volunteer Michael Reagan lost his life battling a garage fire. Five other firefighters suffered injuries that day.
In a span of seven months, that’s three serious incidents involving volunteer firefighters.
The loss is tragic. Towns, families and the volunteers now will use their unique bond to once again come together and mourn one of their own.
We will join them in mourning.
But we should all to something else as well. Let’s not wait for the next incident to appreciate what these men and women do every day, providing an invaluable service.
Make sure you let them know that. Every day. Not just on a sad day like yesterday.
They are our heroes. We can’t tell them that enough.
He simply did what he and his band of dedicated brothers always do. He answered the call.
It wasn’t the first time. No one thought it would be the last. That is the daunting danger volunteer firefighters face every time they answer the bell.
We spent much of yesterday talking about Picozzi, who was killed in a fire in an Upper Chichester home. That’s part of the problem.
Too often we take Picozzi and the other dedicated volunteers that man all those fire houses that dot the Delaware County landscape for granted.
We are comfortable tucked away in our little suburban cocoons knowing that someone like Picozzi will answer the call when that bell sounds.
As we roll over in our beds, they simply roll.
That’s what they did again yesterday, responding to an urgent plea, a house on fire in their town.
Most of these dedicated men and women perform their invaluable service in anonymity.
Until something goes wrong. As it did yesterday.
And as it did back in August, when six firefighters were injured battling a blaze inside a Parkside townhouse. Or a month later in Sharon Hill, when volunteer Michael Reagan lost his life battling a garage fire. Five other firefighters suffered injuries that day.
In a span of seven months, that’s three serious incidents involving volunteer firefighters.
The loss is tragic. Towns, families and the volunteers now will use their unique bond to once again come together and mourn one of their own.
We will join them in mourning.
But we should all to something else as well. Let’s not wait for the next incident to appreciate what these men and women do every day, providing an invaluable service.
Make sure you let them know that. Every day. Not just on a sad day like yesterday.
They are our heroes. We can’t tell them that enough.
posted by Heron's Nest at
7:21 AM
4 Comments:
Thank you for this. Too often our firefighters are forgotten, and the only time they are remembered is when there are serious injuries or death. I know everyone is aware of the fire department, but how many of us take the time to think about the fire department? The answer is not many. Firefighters train hard to be able to do what they do, without recognition. And many times people complain that the fire department is parked on the street just flowing water. "Isnt there anything better they could be doing?" "My tax dollars are paying for this?" Well the truth is, if they do not practice, they become rusty. Do you want a firefighter that cant hook up to a hydrant? Practice makes perfect. And dont forget, most are volunteers, with real jobs and families. So please just take a moment to thank a firefighter. When you get a donation card in the mail, please send some money back. If there is a "Tag Day" going on, please drop some money in the boot. Support your local firefighters.
There are not enough thank you's that could go out for this article being written. It is appreciated, and hopefully people will understand the importance of all the brave men and women that put their lives on the line when the bell goes off!! Also to think about what its like to be the parents,wife,girlfriend,or child of someone who is a firefighter. They are heros in everything they do, and a brotherhood that no matter what sticks together. Support them, and thank them when you see them, it is a small gesture that is well deserved.
I am the mother of 6 volunteer firefighters. All at the same station, four of which were on that fateful call yesterday. volunteers never get recognition for the duty that they do. What tax payers do not realize is that these fire companies are not supported by the tax payers money. They raise money any way they can with fund raisers. The townships do not supply the equipment, nor do they provide the training. It is paid for through these fund raiser. The only time volunteers get recognition for their efforts is when tragedy strikes. That firefighter was doing that job for free. He could have been one of my children. As a mother, I worry, but as a citizen I am very thankful for what these brave men and women do every time the bell rings. Do all that you can to support your local firefighters.
Thanks Phil, you always have our back and we appreciate it. In this day where so many will bash public servants for every little wrong and most seem to miss when they do things right you have always been a positive supporter of the fire service both in Delco and through this country.
Rest Easy Brother Nick.
Post a Comment
<< Home