FIREFIGHTERS: Thanks for your support

I have been a firefighter for over 33 years. During my time in the fire service, I have attended countless funerals for our fallen firefighters. I know that presence is an important part of the culture within the fire service. Last week my brothers and sisters throughout the country didn’t let two of our bravest, Battalion Chief John Morrison Jr. of the CDAFD, as well as Battalion Chief Frank Harwood of KCFR, down.

Last Thursday evening my wife and I were dining at an outside table along Sherman Avenue and wearing our fire department T-shirts to represent and support our fire family. I found myself thanking the numerous firefighters from across the country that descended on the city and along Sherman Avenue. Numerous passersby also stopped these firefighters and thanked them. I could not have been prouder to be a local resident and member of our community. The outpouring of love, admiration, and respect shown to these firefighters, by our residents, was nothing short of amazing.

Speaking with the traveling firefighters, almost every single one of them commented on how truly appreciated they had felt by the incredible kindness and gratitude our residents had shown them. Many of these firefighters are members of the Honor Guard. They travel the country honoring fallen firefighters. Thursday night, sitting on Sherman Avenue, I had never been so proud to be a firefighter or a resident of our truly amazing community. Thank you to the residents that made the firefighters feel so welcomed and thank you to my brothers and sisters for your support of our heartbroken community. 

TODD BALDRIDGE 

Hayden