Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Our Unsung Heroes

We came home to our neighborhood to a horrifying site last night. Everyone's worst nightmare! The sky was black with smoke as we were approaching our street and praying our house was not on fire. Seeing it was not ours, we began praying for the neighbor whose house was on fire. Then praying for safety of those invovled. Thankfully there were no injuries!


Four different city fire departments responded to the call as people gathered in disbelief!



What can you do or what can you say at a time like this?








Everyone stood in silence and helpless as the firefighters risked their lives to contain the blaze.


And still... the house was engulfed. The wind was another culprit and the next house became an inferno as well. Two more would be damaged but saved. Four families affected in minutes!

How sad it was to witness this tragedy first hand.


Their homes were melting before our eyes.

It made me think about the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday for our safety and get very little thanks for it. Their pay in our city is way too low.
You can see one of the firefighters battling the blaze below.



Another one in this thick smoke holding the tail of a hose. ( click to enlarge).






This fireman joined in without his full uniform on. Probably not a good idea!




The thick smoke brought the crowd from every direction.



And, of course, the police and news helicopers.


These guys are our unsung heroes! And I thank them for their bravery!




My son-in-law is a city policeman and works 12 hr. days. I know many others work long hours, too. One difference is, he wears 27 extra pounds of equipment on his frame for those long hours in temperatures that reach over 100 degrees here in the summer. Not to mention the dangers that come along in the line of duty. Thanks Joe for your service!


Thanks to all the unsung heroes out there..we need and appreciate YOU!


8 comments:

The Charm of Home said...

Oh how sad. The firemen are heroes. So sorry for your neighbors loss.
Sherry

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

How sad. This is the second house fire posted that I have seen in the last week. I am thinking this is a house behind you?
We had that happen once. We were coming home and saw the smoke and knew it was close to our home. It actually was another subdivision, but it was horrible trying to get home.
Fires are awful. Remember Barb and Arnold lost their home to a fire years ago. I will never forget it.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

So so sad. My biggest fear is for our home to catch fire. My brother in law and a nephew are both firemen and my son in law is a cop, too. They do have to wear a lot of extra protection and the pay is poor for protecting us. They are even talking about pension cuts in our county which is where they all work. When homes are built so close together the other ones are bound to catch fire.

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, I'm so glad it wasn't your home but it is tragic for those who lost their homes. We've had a big fire up in the mountains and hurricane force winds feeding it. I too thank the Lord for those firefighters and others who risk their lives for us.
Hugs to you today.
Noreen

Unknown said...

how scary for everyone involved....and Yes!....thanks so much to the un-sung heros. They Rock! I'm glad you home was o.k.

I popped in from Savvy Southern Style and am enjoying looking at your blog and pretty home and pictures. Happy Spring Ya'll from Houston, Tx!

Kristens Creations said...

Oh my goodness how awful!! I'm glad it wasn't your home, but feel sad for the family who lost their home.

Thanks for your nice comments on the island! It has taken me a long time to finally bite the bullet and paint it. I was beginning to regret it there for a while...lol. Everything is starting to come together now...thank goodness!

I thought about black too...but thought it might be to much in my small space. Have a great day!! Kristen

Jennifer said...

Oh my. How devastating. So thankful that no one was injured - and praying that you and your neighbors will be able to reach out and be a blessing in the days ahead.

Firemen and police officers - definitely heroes!! Might be nice to send a note of thanks...something we all can do. Thanks for the reminder:)

Dana~HomespunTreasures said...

Oh my goodness this is just tragic!! I feel so sad for the families involved. I'm so thankful it wasn't your home. This is one of my worst fears in life is fire. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog.

Blessings,
Dana