Our Everyday Heros Shall Never Be Forgotten

I have sat down, what seems like a million times this past week to write a blog about the extremely heart retching untimely deaths of Firefighter Ray Walters, 30 years old and Deputy Cheif Ken Rea, 56 years old, who lost their lives one week ago today in a store fire, in the town of Listowel, about an hour from where we live. They went in to ensure there were no shoppers left in the store, when the roof collapsed. Today they were laid to rest in their final resting place. 

Listowel honours firefighters as bodies removed - Canada - CBC News

Listowel Dollar Store Fire - March 17th, 2011

I'm not even though a paragraph and I'm already very emotional. I have said it before, and I will say it again - I am so proud of Neil and the men and women who run in to help, when everyone else is running out or away. Not only Neil, but one of my bridesmaids and best friends Heather, is too a full time firefighter in Markham, and although I know she is protected by her peers, I always pray for her safety. I feel so grateful every single day for the volunteers in our communities where my families are. I know if a member of my family needs emergency assistance, the most likely first response they will get to their home is a volunteer firefighter. We count on them, and they do so much to prepare themselves for our needs. 

Fellow firefighters witness two bodies of their fallen brothers being removed from the scene.

I could go on and on about the volunteers, and how little they are recognized for the time and energy they put into our communities. These men lost their lives trying to protect others from harm and hurt, and they lost their lives, their families lost their sons, husbands, fathers, brothers as they were trying to ensure the safety of others. Please try to take time to recognize them. 

An overwhelming amount, 10,000 (and very well could be more) men, women, and children lined the street sides of Listowel today to witness the funeral procession to these heroes. I cannot imagine the overwhelming support that the families, and the fire departments in Perth County felt with that many people in their town to salute Firefighter Ray Walters and Deputy Chief Ken Rea today. 


Here's an article from the Toronto Star today reporting on the story. 

I am proud to say our small little town, joined with another (Hillsburgh) sent a bus load of firefighters to Listowel today. Neil was one of that group, and I know he's extremely tired from all of that marching, and emotional exhausted from the experience, but I pray to god for the rest of our lives, this is the only time he will have to do this. I know he will never forget this day. God bless our firefighters, each and everyone. 


I know I have put this up before, but I am going to again. I need it tonight. 


Lord I thank you for my firefighter. This firefighter that I love.
Give me strength to give him support with your guidance from above.
Make me a good partner, attentive listener & my love's best friend.
When I chose him I chose a firefighter, and the job on which he depend.
Lord, keep my firefighter safe when our plan's have gone awry,
Answering an emergency call with a life or death cry.
Keep the gusting winds and raging flames from being his final fate.
please help me cope with the trauma of being a firefighter's wife.
-Anonymous 

Okay okay.. I know this is selfish of me, but can we talk about something else. I am soaked.


I started the new job Monday night. I have to say, I have this feeling already - I am going to love this job. Obviously I cannot say much about it, but it's fast paced, it's rewarding and the group of men and women who I work with are really great. I am really excited to continue through my orientation and gain confidence as I go. I have got the phonetic alphabet under my belt, and am now practicing the 10 codes - lots of learning, but I need this challenge!


Lyns and I were talking "wedding talk" tonight after supper and it seems to me we've got things under control if you can believe it. We just have to make another appointment with the Four Seasons (rentals) to confirm our colour choices and setup and we're ready to rock. Ofcourse, the work is not done - but I think for now - SIX MONTHS BEFORE we're doing quite well! Six months and one week away my friends - the countdown is on!!


Lots of love, say a prayer for the families please, and think of them tonight - I know I am.