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As all of the world now knows, our
family of firefighters suffered a tragic loss on the evening
of Dec. 3, 1999. Six courageous, gallant men met their deaths
doing what we all have chosen to do. We have followed our
hearts and taken the path less traveled. It is the path of
those of us who step to the front when duty calls and do so
with a joyous and willing spirit. Although the loss is great
and the sadness nearly overwhelming, there is a part of me
that feels a boundless joy that there are such men and that
I am, in every sense, one of them. This is my family and words
can not express how proud I am of my brothers. God, how we
will miss them.
While on duty on the morning of December
9, 1999 I watched the memorial services with other firefighters,
captains, engineers and paramedics from my department, Las
Vegas Fire & Rescue. Our training group was assembled
and since I had already had the module I was able to sit with
the station 8 crews and watch this incredible event.
As the dignitaries, clergy, and IAFF brothers
spoke, as the choir sang, as the pipes played and as taps
echoed through the tens of thousands of firefighters, a special
feeling came over me. I found myself glancing around at other
guys in the room, guys I've fought fire with. Some, nearly
died with. Some I've known for over twenty years. The words
of IAFF General President Whitehead lay on my heart as I looked
outside at the gathered units. The war horses at rest,
Engine 30, Engine 3, Truck 3, Truck 7, Rescue 9, Rescue 8,
my own Engine 2 and a few other rigs sparked a flash of mental
images. In a playback montage I recalled the many blazes and
rescues we've handled over the years. The feeling was and
is a combination of pride and brotherhood. Not an arrogant
pride of being better than but a fierce loving pride of being
one of.
As vastly different as we all are, when
the alarm comes in and we step into our boots we become one.
Totally united in purpose and will, we connect with the best
part of our humanity and, at a deep level, prepare to stand
in harm's way to defend and protect our brethren. "Greater
love hath no man than this, that he would lay down his life
for his fellow man." I can't imagine a higher calling.
If Dec. 3 will always be a dark day of heavy
heart, Dec. 9 will, to me, be a day of light. It is the day
the world, for a brief moment, got to see an intimate view
of the family of the professional firefighter. The entire
world saw what we mean to each other and got to be uplifted,
as was I, by the very thought that there are such souls among
us.
Brothers Lucey, Spencer, Lyons, Jackson,
Brotherton and McGuirk your ultimate sacrifices will never,
never be forgotten. Well done, my brothers. Well done.
Firefighter Allan Albaitis
LasVegas Fire & Rescue - IAFF local 1285.
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