!['What is a firefighter worth?
There has been so much talk recently about things like containing costs, lowering taxes, and those who work in public safety being overpaid - particularly firefighters - that it could make your head spin.
We've all done the "simple math," crunched the numbers, and it all seems to boil down to a simple question. What are firefighters worth?
I guess that depends. We live in a country that seems to have forgotten what our priorities are. A man can be a skilled athlete who happens to throw and catch a football well, and make millions and millions of dollars to do so. And we as a society are not only OK with that, but we gather in front of our televisions and cheer that man on.
Meanwhile, a firefighter kisses his children goodbye before every shift knowing the harsh reality that it very well could be the last time he will see them, and he is fighting tooth and nail for decent health coverage and substantial pay to support those children.
He is the man that you call when your elderly father has a stroke.
He is the person that will extract your 16-year-old son from a mangled vehicle on the highway in the middle of the night.
He is the person that will be there in a heartbeat when your newborn infant stops breathing.
He is the person who is exposed to countless dangerous scenarios and has seen horrific things during his career that would psychologically haunt most of us for the rest of our lives.
We trust him to save our homes and belongings in the event of a disastrous fire, and we trust him to keep us breathing and our hearts beating when we face our most critical moments.
What is he worth to you?
He sometimes will go days without sleep, and make life altering decisions on every call he shows up to.
He has missed family meals, bedtime stories, Christmas mornings, school plays, anniversaries, Thanksgiving dinners, and his own children's birthdays.
We all know that life is so very short, and firefighters sacrifice precious time with the most important people in their lives to save the lives of the most important people in yours.
And now they have to defend and protect their pensions, well deserved health benefits, and their paychecks.
It has been proposed by some that they lose many of their benefits, and work extra shifts that they will not be compensated for.
There seems to be a serious misconception that firefighters are in it for the monetary gain, and more and more often have been portrayed in a negative light for actually expecting to be compensated for the sacrifices that they make to do their job. For an individual that has chosen this selfless career, it begs the question: Is it worth it?
Most of us are willing to pay a little extra for something if it is important to us, whether it be the shoes we wear, the doctor we choose to treat us, or even the cup of coffee we drink.
It is something that we value, therefore it is worth the cost.
Most would agree that our safety and protection is of immeasurable value.
Those of us that are skilled in math may look at the numbers and think that stripping those who serve our public of their way to earn a decent living is an answer to a financial equation.
But firefighters and their families are not numbers on a piece of paper. They are human beings that are doing their jobs every day to the best of their ability, and possibly sacrificing their own lives for the life of a stranger. Not many of us in our right mind would do that for free, and no one should have to.
So before making our minds up that firefighters are the financial problem, sit down with a local firefighter and ask him about his job.
Ask him about his wife and his sons or daughters, what kind of house he lives in, and what type of car he drives. And then ask yourself, if you were to take on such a career, what would you expect in return?
Tina Clarke
(Proud wife of a Cumberland, RI Firefighter)
Originally published: 2/2012
Strong words Tina!
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo from: @[310813728988958:274:Truckie-Talk]
Credit: Capt. Jim Payne, Baltimore City Fire'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11537239_969024209797903_3760476740113135094_n.jpg?oh=ce2dd0f3f0d26f9979dbf764b4233ad9&oe=5629AB50)
!['The City of New York has been a target for terrorists since its beginnings.
Pictured here:
On Sept. 16, 1920, terrorists bombed Wall Street using 100 lbs. of dynamite in a horse-drawn carriage.
Thirty-eight people were killed and hundreds wounded.
We will NEVER FORGET
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo from: @[304603755728:274:New York City Fire Department (FDNY)]'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p118x118/21015_968867139813610_6566639651368415402_n.jpg?oh=427dc6bdc92f269164f0b002f2560ee9&oe=55F38F18)
!['The Watervliet Fire Department in New York paid special tribute to an extraordinary member of its crew Wednesday, June 10, 2015.
Thomas “Chief Mack” Mackey was born with Down Syndrome, but he never let his disability get in the way of his dedication to the fire station.
“Tom Mackey – Chief Mack – was a great guy, and he would kid with anybody,” Mackey’s brother-in-law Bob Mirch said. “It didn’t matter if you were the local sanitation manager or the president of the United States, if you said ‘Hello’ to Chief Mack, he’d take a jab at ya.”
Mackey got his start at the Watervliet Fire Department over 20 years ago when he showed up unannounced looking to help. He quickly earned the title ‘Chief Mack’ while serving under five different fire chiefs.
In 2007, Mayor Mike Manning and then-Fire Chief Clickner gave Mackey a part-time custodial job at the fire department.
“And boy that made him feel 10 feet tall,” Mirch said. “It was one of the best things that ever happened to him in his life.”
Our Brother Mackey passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7th, 2015 surrounded by family in his Troy, NY home.
Full story with video here:
http://news10.com/2015/06/10/watevliet-fb-mourns-loss-of-irreplaceable-team-member/
Tommy will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Rest in Peace “Chief Mack”
Thanks for helping make the “Brotherhood Strong”
Until we all meet again on the “Top Floor”
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Post submitted by “Brotherhood of Fire” fan Sam Morgan
Post credit: news10.com'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11401383_968805223153135_7599149682278970361_n.jpg?oh=ec281d04fdd27a17d833fa5dd3030c68&oe=5622B39D)
!['Here's a neat little "man cave" idea...
How to turn a fire alarm pull station into a light switch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kR6G8YI6M4&feature=youtu.be
Video submitted by "Brotherhood of Fire" fan John Farmer
He made the video in hopes that it would help someone interested in building one for a man cave.
Thanks John, strong work...
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11406614_968279763205681_8749605650923735307_n.jpg?oh=9abf328158406bc21895b9b659a7525a&oe=562AC0D0)
!['“Don't Call Me A Hero” - The Story
In December 1986, Firefighter, Canadian singer/songwriter Don Murdock received high honors with Canada's “Medal of Bravery” from Jeanne Sauve, Canada's Governor General for his actions during two separate house fires where Don exhibited valor and brave actions.
For many years Don rode the Rescue Truck with Canada’s Whitby Fire Department. During that time he witnessed many terrible and tragic things… none of which affected him as much as the events that unfolded before him on a fire that occurred in March of 1985.
“Don't Call Me A Hero” has not only helped Don come to terms with emotions that have haunted him since that night almost 28 years ago, but also makes good on a silent promise he made privately to a little girl who became an angel that night to one day honor her memory.
The call came in shortly after midnight. Every person, every firefighter’s WORST NIGHTMARE.
When Don and the rescue crew arrived, flames and smoke were already billowing from the building. A young female at the scene was panicked and screaming that there were babies still inside.
Don and fellow firefighter entered the home in search of the children.
The heat was so intense and the smoke so thick and black the two were unable to see a thing and had to yell and feel their way through the house on hands and knees.
Through the confusion Don heard his partner yell that he had found one. As Don turned toward the sound of his partner's voice a flashover occurred knocking them both to the floor. The heat that night was so intense Don's helmet melted. Don received burns from the flashover to his face. His partner suffered burns to both of his hands.
However, Don was now able to see the girl. He grabbed the child and took her to the front door where he handed her to EMS personnel.
Don then re-entered the house, found his partner and guided him and the baby to the front door. Don then took the baby from his injured partner, jumped in the back of the ambulance where he performed infant CPR all the way to the Hospital.
Upon arrival, Don handed the baby over to the attending emergency physician, quite certain the baby was already an angel. The baby did not recover.
* A year prior to this incident Don also saved the life of a teenage boy. Because that rescue happened in the early morning of New Years Day, there was a tremendous amount of press proclaiming Don a “Hero”.
To Don though, the real hero has always been the innocent little girl who lost her life in that night in that wicked fire.
Like most first responders, whether they be firefighters, police, paramedics, military personnel, EMS or many humbled others, Don never felt right about being called a hero....
Tough shit Don, you are one.
Here’s the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWKH1Dv7Vuw
You make the "Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/10479477_967600479940276_7126555553116726953_n.jpg?oh=ef87e21cbb9516abff77a088232a896c&oe=55F8673E)
!['* 6-7-15
Update on critically injured Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern:
Pete is progressing well, a little bit more, each and every day.
Last week was a good week. Good appetite. Even had a piece of pizza.
He was also excited / enthusiastic to see the Physical Therapists. He even walked about 1,000 ft. (He has come a long way since the day when he took his first 2 steps to the window and back).
Surgery last Friday was 8 1/2 hours long.
The hand specialist Dr. Lemker took the wound VACs off and removed the pins from both of his hands.
He said the right hand looks good. There are two spots on his palm that they didn't finish last operation so Dr. D placed allografts on them, and the entire left hand.
Dr. Lemker also placed a biological mesh in Pete's abdominal surgery wound. This will help the tissue grow and also installed a wound VAC.
Dr. D also auto grafted Pete's buttocks and inter thigh.
He used allografts on Pete's ears and scalp.
* The following is recent SPECIAL message from Pete’s wife Kelly:
“Pete had a dressing change, everything but his hands. I stayed in the room to observe the process.
My heart goes out to Pete, who is the strongest, bravest man I've ever known. I never really saw the extent of his burns. He still has burns that haven't been grafted and I can't possibly imagine the incredible pain he has had to endure.
The healing of the burns that have been grafted either with allografts, CEA or autografts is amazing.
I am so thankful for the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff who have been so caring, not only for Pete but also for the other patients in the burn unit.”
~ Kelly Dern
Godspeed healing Brother Pete !
#HealUpSuperman
You got this
You are “Brotherhood Strong”
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo is from yesterday’s “Cen Cal Heroes Classic”.
24 softball teams joined and competed against each other for bragging rights… all the while also raising needed $ money for both brother Fresno Police Officer Tim Murray (who suffered a stroke last December) and Fresno Fire Captain Pete Dern (injured/burned in a house fire ).
Shown here are the 4 Fresno Firefighter Teams who competed for the Top Spot.'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s200x200/1151000_966655676701423_1734868922963388831_n.jpg?oh=b2133cbd6fedd8b40a4cf5d49a0684d8&oe=55F4D2AD)
!['Today marks the 153rd year the Dublin Fire Brigade has served the citizens of Dublin, Ireland.
Let's all remember those, living and dead who have worn the uniform with pride.
Honor, sacrifice and duty over the long history of the brigade!
Happy Birthday DFB !
You make the "Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p118x90/11401415_966285263405131_5323805959880044869_n.jpg?oh=7a1bfc4c66dcb087fbf7f5a47b91c00a&oe=56285D20)
!['This article / video is a must read / watch.
Today a number of South Bend, IN Firefighters ran the "Sunburst 5K race" in their turnout gear.
The Sunburst 5K / 10K draws literally 1000's of runners from all over the world, every year.
but that isn't what makes this story amazing!
One Brother is in a race for his life...
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/south-bend-firefighter-runs-sunburst-while-fighting-for-his-life/33412458
Watch, read and learn... this will melt you heart.
Strong work Brothers!
"Brotherhood Strong"
@[187557941277871:274:Brotherhood of Fire]
Photo: Pictured here is South Bend, IN Firefighter Josh Comeau who said his wife, Rosary, and five children motivate him to beat cancer.
Post credit: "Brotherhood of Fire" fan Amie Zache Petrie'](https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/s118x118/11392925_966201876746803_5325885910964939837_n.jpg?oh=cff101eda9ea9a184b987374fb765d69&oe=562FD3EE)
Brotherhood of Fire shared Boston Fire Gear's photo.
Today we remember the nine Boston Firefighters that died in the line of duty at the Hotel Vendome on June 17, 1972. Several of their sons and relatives still serve on the job. May they rest in peace. #boston #fire #firefighters #neverforget
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