Of Fire Fighters and Police Officers

"When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work." - Edward F. Croker

"The backbone of our nation's domestic defense against terrorist attacks will continue to be the men and women in local law enforcement and emergency services." - Saxby Chambliss


Fire Starter read with great interest regarding the fire tuesday in downtown Binghamton.  The fire was massive yet it was promptly controlled by "Binghamton's Bravest".  Fire Starter can not help but wonder how much of downtown Binghamton would have been lost had they been relying on volunteers to protect the City.  It certainly should give the residents in Johnson City and Endicott great pause as their relative leaders discuss a partial or complete volunteer department.

As Christmas fast approaches, Fire Starter's thoughts now turn to the brave men and women who stand between us and danger.  We are mindful of the brave fire fighters and police officers who will be protecting us while we celebrate with family and friends.  We are mindful of the sacrifices they make every day to protect us from the unimaginable.

It is with this in mind that we ask everyone to keep these guardians in our thoughts and prayers now and throughout the year.  We also are mindful of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.  So far in 2010,  more than 150 police officers answered their final call.  More than 30 career fire fighters answered their final alarm.  They leave behind them wives, husbands, children and parents.  Although we cannot know the family's grief, their loss is our loss.  We are all diminished by their passing.

May the peace of the Holiday Season be with all of you.  And may our heroic protectors be kept safe from harm.