A completely off-topic post, but this affected me so much I simply had to share.
I got up at what Deb would call stupid o'clock this morning to fit in my daily jog. Even at 5.30, the air was thick with the smell of wood smoke. By the time I got home, it had permeated the house. By the time I left for work, the smoke haze had well and truly settled in. In a community that has been devastated by fire of late, this is not a sign you want to see.
On my walk to the train station I saw something that gave me goosebumps on this warm day. Gathered on the other side of the road was a large group of firefighters in their orange jackets and braces. Some were sitting on the ground, others standing. All looked wrecked. There were at least 50 of them with more coming as emergency vehicles poured into the adjacent carpark. Evidently this was their assembly point.
As I got closer to them I could see what was written on their backs. They were all members of either the NSW Fire Brigade or the NSW Ambulance Rescue Service. It was at this point that it became too much for me and tears pricked my eyes. These people have left their homes and families interstate to come and assist in the most dangerous of circumstances. Sometimes human kindness can be overwhelming.
I immediately wanted to do something for them. Coffee? Food? Sadly, as I was on my way to work neither of these was readily available.
So I did the best I could in the circumstances.
Voice wavering with emotion, as I walked past I looked several of them in the eye and uttered a heartfelt 'thank you'.
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13 comments:
If they looked wrecked, then they were coming off duty? Or back to it after a break? Not sure if it makes a difference in numbers of volunteers or not, but it seems NSW volunteers get paid when fire fighting, whereas ours don't. Still brave and unselfish nevertheless.
Apparently the NSW fireys are paying back the favour of when the Vic guys went to the Canberra fires 2 years ago.
and yes DITTO to all your emotions above.
I saluted 4 CFA's when they shot past me out on the C146 in a truck the other day - couldn't help myself.
The CFA is funded by every insurance policy, but all the people are Volunteers.
Visit their site for the Updates list where you can see how many trucks are at each fire.
It is scary.
there needs to more human kindness and compassion in the world. these firefighters are an example of brotherhood of man. bless all people like them.
We had a fire in one of our historic local buildings recently. It totally gutted the place. Being a nosy bugger I went along to watch the firebrigade at work. They are a brave bunch, no doubt about it, even if they couldn't save the building. I was a bit flummoxed as to what to do myself, so I asked 'em for a light.
Might have been a bit of a faux pas under circumstances.
Awwww...emotions on the street. I like the colour Green the best.
That was such the right thing to do.
Yes. Well done, Miss Diarist.
Regards, Mike and Ann.
I think there are very few people as well loved right now as the fire fighters in Vic.
Best thing to have said, MD :)
Brian Hughes! you made that up about the light. bad boy.
"Several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation"
is something we hear a lot without understanding how BAD it feels to breathe black smoke. like cement in your lungs.
Dear smokers, please extinguish that butt and dont throw it out the window.
Andrew, I think they were beginning as they didn't look soot-or smoke-stained, but wrecked nonetheless. I'm all for volunteers getting paid.
Ann, I salute your salute. Little gestures can mean so much at times like these. And thank goodness for volunteers.
Ling, agree totally.
Well Brian, were they able to help you out?
Reuben, for some reason I associate that colour with you already - political association perhaps?
Pat, Mike & Ann and Jayne: Thank you. My parents raised me to always acknowledge those who help you.
Phishy: couldn't agree more.
Ann - YES to that! I am one of those people who notes the numberplates of butt-turfers and reports them to the EPA.
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