June 1 – “A Fire Fighter Family Occasion”

I experienced quite an honor yesterday.  The two Bryan fire fighters who have been receiving treatment at UTMB since they were injured in a fire on February 14^th were finally released to go home to Bryan.  Two Houston TV stations were present (Channel 11 and Channel 2).  No Galveston Daily News, though, which puzzled me.  Lots of Galveston fire fighters came by.  Brian Lee, the Galveston fire fighter who organized care for the injured fire fighters and their families, was there on his day off, as were several others.  Some had even brought their young children to be a part of the excitement.  Brian drove the Fire Fighters’ Union truck as part of the entourage returning to Bryan.  Jeff Smith, the retired Galveston chief who walked with the two guys through much of their ordeal was there as well.  The Bryan fire chief and several other representatives from the Bryan fire department arrived in two fire trucks as well as several other vehicles.  One of the trucks was the very one the guys had ridden to the fire, so it was fitting they should return home in it. 

The atmosphere was quite festive, with hugs all around and TV crews doing interviews and expressions of appreciation.  Promises to return and to make a trip “up North.”  Professions of undying commitment.  It was a gathering of colleagues, brought together in tragic circumstances, certainly.  But this assembly was connected even before the tragedy.  Connected in a common profession, but more than just that.  Connected in a common purpose, but more than just that.  The only relationship I can come up with that begins to approach this one is … Family. 

And into this intimate family gathering I was asked to say a prayer.  A prayer of thanksgiving for the recovery Mitch and Rickey had attained thus far.  A prayer for their families as they re-adjust to life at home.  A prayer for the future protection of fire fighters from Galveston and Bryan.  It was a humbling experience, to say the least.  Family.

And as the entourage made its way from Galveston to Bryan, fire departments all along the route gathered on freeway overpasses and by the sides of roads to salute the two returning heroes.  I’m sure their arrival in Bryan was marked with appropriate celebration as well.  I understand that today there is a benefit scheduled in Bryan to provide assistance to Mitch and Rickey.  Family.

Chief Smith encouraged me with this thought: “If you are going to work with this profession, then you need to be a part of the highs as well as the lows.  This morning is one of the highs.”  It was indeed, Chief.  Little did we know that by the afternoon we would hear about one of the lowest of the lows when four Houston fire fighters were killed in the line of duty.  And so the rallying, the consoling, the surrounding with love begins anew.  Family.

Psalms 93:3-4 says, “The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.  Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea — the Lord on high is mighty.”

Father, continue walking with Mitch and Rickey.  They have a long way to go.  And gently surround the families of the fallen fire fighters from Houston.  They are just beginning a new struggle, and they will need you more than ever.  Amen.