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by dennis999 01 Jul 2013 ( edited Jul 02'13 10:22 )
+50

01 July 2013: Loss of 19 Firefighters in Arizona Wildfire.

I was deeply saddened to learn that an entire contingent of nineteen firefighters have lost their lives in the wildfires currently affecting Arizona. The following words are spoken in their honour:

When I am called to duty, God,
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child
Before it's too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbour
And protect his property.

And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife.

I would be grateful if any Cuties here could let me know of any collection that is being made for the families of these brave souls. Many thanks.

Comments (15)
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by spendlove 01 Jul 2013
+13
Well said, Dennis. May we also spare a thought for those currently fighting a huge factory fire near Birmingham - caused by one of those Chinese lanterns.
2 comments
by dennis999 01 Jul 2013
Yes indeed Sue. I've been following that incident also which, thankfully, has resulted in only a few relatively minor injuries. I have argued against the free use of those Chinese lanterns for many years but just got told that I was an old misery! Which is probably true...lol
by spendlove 01 Jul 2013
You and me both.
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by ansalu 01 Jul 2013
+12
Just heard the sad news. What a tragedy...
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by basketkase 01 Jul 2013
+11
Beautiful tribute, Dennis.....I pray for all the self-less, dedicated folks who put their lives on the line to keep us all safe....my heart is so saddened by this horrendous lose of life........
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by jerrib 01 Jul 2013
+10
Beautiful Dennis: My deepest sympathy to their families. May God watch over them and the remaining firefighters still battling the blaze.
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by 02kar 01 Jul 2013
+10
My sympathy to all of the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, those who have been injured and those who are still fighting. And prayers continue that no one else will be injured or killed and the fires will quickly come under control.
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by rescuer 01 Jul 2013
+9
Firefighters are wonderful heroes.
I feel so sorry for the families and also for the one lone firefighter that survived when all the rest of his team perished. I pray the Lord will comfort the lone survivor as well as the grieving families of the 19 brave firefighters that perished in the flames. My heart goes out to them.
Dennis, if I hear of a legitimate collection for the families I will let you know.
1 comment
by dennis999 01 Jul 2013
Many thanks, I would appreciate that.
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by pcteddyb 01 Jul 2013
+10
Dennis, thanks for posting such nice thoughts. It is a really tragic situation. I don't think they have had time to set anything up yet - I will listen on the news to see if I hear anything and will post back then. This happened about a hour or so north of me - been to Yarnell and Peeples Valley and Prescott many times.
1 comment
by dennis999 01 Jul 2013
I would appreciate any information that you can provide, particularly regarding the official charitable body that I may send some assistance to.
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by zoefzoef 01 Jul 2013
+10
Yes, this is really sad news. I also saw it on the Belgium tv today. Pray to God for them and for the family and friends
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by sewmom 01 Jul 2013
+11
It was so tragic. I gave my son a huge hug when he got home from his Cal Fire shift this morning. Then I suggested he teach fire science instead of going out on the front lines. He didn't like my suggestion.

I added the link for a Facebook page for them.
6 comments
by dennis999 01 Jul 2013
Thank you Sewmom for this link. It is so sad that not twenty four hours had passed, when people are whining and bickering over the size and cut-style availability of t-shirts that are being marketed on the back of this tragedy. It is also sad to see certain adverse comments relating to the benefits or otherwise of a local charitable body as against those of a national charitable body. I do hope that someone get's to grips with this in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in the service of their community.

Sewmom.....................hug your son, love him and be there for him always but try to understand that what he does is part of his spirit, his inner being.
by toogie 01 Jul 2013
Sewmom, I was concerned about you & your family.Although I am saddened, like so many others, but am glad to hear your son is ok. Good you let us know, I didn't want to ask-Toogie
by sewmom 01 Jul 2013
Thank you Toogie. I cant imagine being one of the parents of the 19 right now.
by sewmom 01 Jul 2013
From the Facebook page.
OUR HEROES LOST:

Ashcraft, Andrew - Age: 29
Caldwell, Robert - Age: 23
Carter, Travis - Age: 31
Deford, Dustin - Age: 24
MacKenzie, Christopher - Age: 30
Marsh, Eric - Age: 43
McKee, Grant - Age: 21
Misner, Sean - Age: 26
Norris, Scott - Age: 28
Parker, Wade - Age: 22
Percin, John - Age: 24
Rose, Anthony - Age: 23
Steed, Jesse - Age: 36
Thurston, Joe - Age: 32
Turbyfill, Travis - Age: 27
Warneke, William - Age: 25
Whitted, Clayton - Age: 28
Woyjeck, Kevin - Age: 21
Zuppiger, Garret - Age: 27

May God comfort their families and friends.
by crafter2243 02 Jul 2013
I Immediately thought of your when I heard this sad news.
by dennis999 02 Jul 2013
Thank you Sewmom for the Role of Honour.

They are all so young.
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by pcteddyb 01 Jul 2013
+10
The 100 Club is a very well known and well respected organization in Arizona. They serve the families of fallen police officers and firefighters throughout the state and they help the departments as well. These brave fire fighters were 20% of the entire Prescott Fire Department. The 100 club has announced they are now accepting donations for the Granite Mountain Hot Shot Crew via paypal. The link below takes you to the 100 Club website and there is a place for you to link to the donation via PayPal.

Additionally, for those in much of the US, Chase Bank branches are accepting donations. Below are those details.

The United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, together with Prescott Fire Fighter's Charities, have established a 501(c)3 relief fund to handle donations to benefit the families of the fallen killed in the Yarnell Fire. Every penny - 100 percent of your tax-deductible donation - will go to benefit the families of crew members who made the ultimate sacrifice. People can make individual or corporate donation at any Chase Bank. Make checks out to: United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association Account, Account #987218757. If donors have any questions, they can contact the UPFFA Office at 602-277-1500.
4 comments
by pcteddyb 01 Jul 2013
The link I put did not stick - hopefully this oe will.


http://www.100club.org/web/100CLUB/Remembering_the_Fallen/Roll_Call_of_Heroes/100CLUB/Remembering/RollCall.aspx
by crafter2243 02 Jul 2013
Thank you Susan
by dennis999 02 Jul 2013
Many thanks Susan for that valuable information.
by jrob 03 Jul 2013
Thank you for this.
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by vickiannette 02 Jul 2013
+7
A very very tragic event.
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by crafter2243 02 Jul 2013
+5
This makes my heart heavy and sad. So young and so many.
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by gerryvb 02 Jul 2013
+5
it's realy sad, these brave people lost their lives. And so hard for the loved ones and family that are left behind.
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by dennis999 02 Jul 2013
+4
Thank you all so much for your heartfelt thoughts and for the information regarding donations, etc. My heart is heavy at this time knowing what the families, friends and colleagues will be going through, and also the re-kindling of memories of friends here in the UK who suffered a similar fate.
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by rmj8939 02 Jul 2013
+4
I am so sad for all the families of these people that sacrificed their lives for the good of others.