Man, oh, man. I sit here listening to the conversations on the scanner. And I hear our Fire Command use words like Brotherhood, Family, Friends at the end of a hard fought battle, and send out a call of heartfelt thanks to those who have come to their aide. I, as — so many others, have watched acts of heroism, self-sacrifice, bravery, and commitment from those fighting the flames for days on end. We’ve seen an outpouring of emotion – love, thoughtfulness, thankfulness, appreciation, and prayerful consideration from the community towards our first responders. As I listen, I hear names of units announced over the radio, from towns and cities that have come to help — units from all around Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. Churches, city halls, and community centers have been turned into buffets for the men and women out there fighting for us all. Tankers, yes, tankers with an “s”–tankers, and tankers, and tankers of water and fuel being sent in to help them keep going, much of it being donated from places outside our county. Acts of kindness, feats of valor, desire to help – all swirling around in the air as thick as the smoke.
The way our people, our communities, our towns, cities, and businesses come together is just Absolutely Amazing. I’ve been on the receiving end of that generosity and I can tell you it is overwhelming. We all know tragedy has a tendency to pull us together, but to see such positive spirit during a crisis like this is almost beyond words.
Crazy thing is this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this. This happens over and over. The Starbuck Fire. The 412 Fire. I’m not an emotional guy, but if you just sit and draw it all in for a second– let yourself feel it — realize what is going on around you — absorb all those acts and emotions — it can’t help but put a frog in your throat.
And one more thing — If you aren’t incredibly proud of the leadership and organizational talent we have among those who serve our communities, you just aren’t paying attention. They are some incredible folks. Thank you. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for stepping up. Thank you for sacrificing – time, family, self. Thank you for working so hard to know what you are doing and to know how best to serve.
