The Worse Possible Day

What is the worse possible day?

What is the worst possible day you’ve had at work?  Boss made you mad?  Air conditioning didn’t work on a 100 degree day?

We Deal With Death & Destruction Day In & Day Out.

As firefighters, we know and accept the dangers of our profession.  We deal with death and destruction day in and day out.  It’s our job!
But without a doubt, our worst day is when we have to pull out a brother or sister firefighter who gave their life while making the ultimate sacrifice trying to protect life and property. Such was the case in Toledo, Ohio on 1-26-14 and it seems to happen more and more these days.  Toledo firefighters Stephen A. Machcinski, 42, and James Dickman, 31, gave their life fighting an apartment fire.

But The Hardest Thing Is…

No matter what strength or bravery firefighters show on the fire ground, we are all human and grieve when we lose members.  It is the hardest thing we will ever experience in our careers for those who have experienced a LODD.

I believe Chief Croker said it best when he said:

“I have no ambition in this world, but one, and that is to be a firefighter.  The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the firefighter has to do, believe that it is a noble calling.  Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even at the supreme sacrifice.”    Chief Edward F Croker, FDNY

Please take a moment and say a prayer for their families, the brothers and sisters in Toledo and all those who have paid the ultimate price.

May their sacrifice never be forgotten.

They will now be forever on the floor above.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends –  John 15:13 NLT

May peace be with you always brothers.

And to the rest of my brothers and sisters…as always, be safe and stay low.

Photo Courtesy of WNWOtv