February 27 - “In Memoriam”

Yesterday was the memorial service for Andy Jefferies, the young man who died in the line of duty a few weeks ago.

 

An entourage of fire trucks and command vehicles from virtually every fire department in the area met at the funeral home in Santa Fe. Others stood by at the Galveston stations, ready to cover any fire calls while our guys were at the memorial service. Engine one picked up Andy’s ashes and headed the solemn procession to fire station number one (Central) in Galveston. I met them there, as did virtually every other Galveston fire fighter who wasn’t in the procession.

 

Engine One pulled up to three rows of fire fighters in full class A uniforms, EMS and police, all standing at attention and in full salute. Many community members and friends waited in silence as well.

 

After all were gathered, I spoke briefly as chaplain about Andy and the effect he had on all who met him. Next, Chief Olsen read a proclamation from the department declaring the day as one of remembrance for Andy and his service. Then a member of the honor guard read the history of the bell in the fire service, followed by the ringing of the final three tolls, signifying that Andy’s service was complete. Finally, the Last Call. The captain of Engine One, spoke into his radio, requesting that dispatch make the call for Andy. And then, over the station’s dispatch speakers, all present heard the call for Firefighter Andrew Jefferies. Then silence. Then a second call for Firefighter Andrew Jefferies. And a second, ominous silence. And then the third and final call, followed by words of appreciation from dispatch for Andy’s service. After that, the crews and family in the entourage returned to their vehicles and slowly drove beneath the huge American flag hanging from the fully extended ladder of Ladder Truck One.

 

Later that afternoon, around eighty or so friends, family and co-workers gathered at O’Malley’s Pub for food and drinks and sharing of memories, hugs, laughter and tears. 

 

You will be missed, Andy.

 

Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 

Father, please watch over Andy’s family - his immediate family and his fire department family as well. Amen.