Thank You

2007 has been a series of trials and tribulations in many ways. Some were minor, others larger than I would have liked, but still manageable and mercifully not of any long term impact. However, I have been spared one trial directly, the fires currently consuming areas of Southern California. Short of having a few friends closer to the fire lines than I would like and some poor air quality, life has continued for me and most of my friends with thankfully little tragedy or loss. And since poor air quality is a way of life in Los Angeles that really does not count. Also luckily, those friends who were on the edge of the disaster are now out of immediate danger.

Thus far, we have been extremely fortunate. Others in the region have not. The numbers are staggering, as of now over a billion dollars in damage in the San Diego area alone has occurred, over 1500 homes have been lost and almost a million people have been evacuated from danger zones. But one thing sticks in my mind. It could be much worse.

There is one reason it is not; the brave men and women who have battled tirelessly on the front lines, in the air and in support since Sunday. For days on end these brave souls have fought tooth and nail against nature and, in at least one case, arsonists to keep people alive and damage to a minimum. They wade into the thick of danger to stem the tide of flame without thought of risk to keep others safe. They fly into reckless winds in an effort to drop one more bucket of water or one more tank of retardant, all in the hope that their effort will keep the fire at bay until it can be contained. They work day and night coordinating people and resources to keep those on the front lines going and giving them everything they can possibly need. They strive to provide comfort and care to those displaced from the safely and security of their homes, many of which have been consumed by an insatiable beast.

Low humidity, high winds and high temperatures have all conspired to make the task of bringing these flames under control nothing short of Herculean. The weather patterns are not expected to change significantly until Thursday, meaning those facing down this tormenter have had the odds stacked against them for days on end. But they have fought on, despite limited air support hampered by the same winds that feed the fires and days and nights that have been an endless struggle to keep the fires from overtaking everything in its path. Injuries, exhaustion and a few who have been severely burned by the fire have weakened their ranks, but not deterred them on their mission. Those in support have comforted and cared for the evacuated, doing everything they can to help those now homeless, or those unsure of what has happened to their homes. They keep those battling the monster strong, providing care, medical attention, water, food, a place to rest or just a pat on the back. Countless volunteers have come forward donating everything from water, food and blankets to their time, blood and shelter. They have demonstrated the best of humanity in the worst of times.

And they have been succeeding in the face of an unrelenting beast. As conditions have improved to combat the blazes, more fires have come under control. More often now we are hearing of fires being contained. But these warriors do not rest or congratulate themselves. They gird up and head to the next fire, as others still rage unfettered, and their efforts are still needed.

These are the true heroes of our society. They are heroes because not only for what they do, but why they do it. They do not do what they do for fame or fortune. They do not ask for accolades or awards. They do not work to sell product or make money. They do not live trite, meaningless drug addled lives and then share their story years later in a tawdry tell all just to see their name in headlines again and line their pockets with cash. They do the work to save lives. They do the work because it means something to them. They do the work because they wish to contribute something tangible and meaningful for society. They do the work because they care.

So to those who put their life on the line everyday to keep others safe, and those who give everything of themselves for others, I want to say thank you. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for being there, day and night no matter the crisis or emergency. I am sure times like these you may here it more often, but I have a feeling you do not hear it often enough. So thank you.

If anyone would like to help, the Red Cross has ways to help provide assistance to those who need. Please go here and see what you can do. Be sure the next time a siren comes by, pull over immediately. Do not make those who work to save lives wait because you feel your time will be inconvenienced by stopping to let them pass. And the next time you see a firefighter, EMT, police officer, Red Cross personnel or volunteer, thank them and ask them what you can do for them. They do more for us than we ever know.