Considering recent circumstances within our Southern Oregon community, I was inclined to write an article for the Southern Oregon ASSP newsletter. I am a member of the SO ASSP chapter and work in the safety field. However, I have spent most of my adult life as a firefighter/paramedic. With these wildfires spreading through our community, devastating everything in their path, my time has been split between the fire department and my safety position. As fatigue sets in and is accompanied by overwhelming empathy for my fellow Southern Oregon residents, I am reminded of a poem used in my firefighting training more times than I can count. This poem was written by Dave Hollenbach who is a retired lieutenant with Orange County Fire Rescue and was adapted from the Navy SEALs. What he wrote is more of a creed than a poem. It is something every firefighter has adopted as they prepare to put their lives at risk to save another’s. This creed embodies the firefighting career and every man/woman who wears that Maltese cross accepts the responsibility of this chosen profession.
“Where there are citizens in distress or in harm’s way there is a special breed that stands ready to answer the call.
A common individual with uncommon desires forged by adversity this person stands alongside their brothers and sisters to serve their community, and protect their lives and property.
I am that firefighter!”
My thoughts and prayers go out to all our firefighters, police officers, medics/EMTs, dispatchers, public works, utilities, and all other responders who answered the call and worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of our Southern Oregon residents. Please keep these responders in your thoughts as they have worked days on end fighting to lessen the impact of this tragic event. Thousands of residents have been displaced while losing everything. However, we should be hopeful. My family has volunteered in the relief effort and have passed out necessities for the affected residents. Nurses, CNAs, and healthcare providers working their regular 12-hour shifts and then volunteering their time in the relief effort is something to see. The community response has been nothing short than inspirational. Piles of donated items stretching from the floor to the ceiling can be seen in many locations. Southern Oregon has shown their fortitude and wherewithal once again!
Kyle Valley
“Where there are citizens in distress or in harm’s way there is a special breed that stands ready to answer the call.
A common individual with uncommon desires forged by adversity this person stands alongside their brothers and sisters to serve their community, and protect their lives and property.
I am that firefighter!”
My thoughts and prayers go out to all our firefighters, police officers, medics/EMTs, dispatchers, public works, utilities, and all other responders who answered the call and worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of our Southern Oregon residents. Please keep these responders in your thoughts as they have worked days on end fighting to lessen the impact of this tragic event. Thousands of residents have been displaced while losing everything. However, we should be hopeful. My family has volunteered in the relief effort and have passed out necessities for the affected residents. Nurses, CNAs, and healthcare providers working their regular 12-hour shifts and then volunteering their time in the relief effort is something to see. The community response has been nothing short than inspirational. Piles of donated items stretching from the floor to the ceiling can be seen in many locations. Southern Oregon has shown their fortitude and wherewithal once again!
Kyle Valley
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