A Time to Reflect on our “Family”

Family. If one word best describes this profession it is family. That is all too obvious as we, the OAPFF and the fire service as a whole, come to terms with the tragic loss in Colerain Township this past Friday. Any time we hear of a fire fighter Line of Duty Death we are saddened. To have it happen within the ranks of our OAPFF makes it all the more real and difficult.

I want you to know that from my early morning notification and after speaking with Local President Phil Klug, the OAPFF had representatives on the ground and ready to assist our Brothers and Sisters in Colerain Twp Local 3915. OAPFF 4^th District Vice President Bill Quinn has been involved since Friday morning bringing his expertise and resources of the OAPFF and IAFF to the local. Additionally, Brother Pat Gunn President of Green Twp Local 2927 and members of Local 48 and surrounding OAPFF local affiliates have been working day and night to assist. OAPFF officers, staff and resources have been at the right hand of President Klug and Local 3915 during this difficult time.

During my tour Sunday at the firehouse, the tragedy was discussed within our “fire family”. During this time, we reflect and take inventory on what is important. I have written about it before in the First Due News but it bears repeating. Our family at home is the most important aspect of our life, and it should be. At home, our love for our family doesn’t always need to be spoken but it often is. At work, it is left unsaid but it is known all the same that we have a similar appreciation for our co-workers. This is one reason why we love our careers so, the sense of family.

We kiss our kids while sleeping and hug our spouse on the way out the door. We routinely do these little things as we leave for work. But in the face of despair, these signs of fondness mean even more. Let’s not forget our fire fighter Brothers and Sisters.

Soon an investigative eye will be turned upon Friday’s tragedy and we must take lessons from it. Inquiries have been started and questions will be answered. That is all left for another time. Now is the time to grieve and mourn. We will say our farewells. Some may have not had the pleasure of knowing Sister Robin Broxterman or Fire Fighter Brian Schira. It does not matter. We knew them all too well through the job they were performing. They are like each of us. We respond to assist others, to save a life or just make a bad situation better for someone else. That is what we do. It is what Sister Broxterman did for over 17 years. It is in each of us. And, that is how it should be.

Let us join this week in thoughts and prayers to honor those fallen, to give strength to their families and boost the spirits of our Brothers and Sisters who are heartbroken. May God grant the strength needed and the blessings they deserve. And, may we continue to do our jobs with dignity, caring and professionalism.

We are blessed to have each other. We are the OAPFF.