As summer’s heat has been in full effect this past week with temperatures soaring into the mid-90’s almost everyday; we awoke to a cloudy, cool morning today. It’s a nice break from the oppressive heat, and a nice way to start a day of remembering. 

Jeff’s story is probably new or unfamiliar to most of you, and this certainly isn’t the place to dive into it full steam. But two years ago today, we had to say goodbye to Jeff as his heroic and courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease came to a peaceful end. We are going to take time today to think of everything that we loved about Jeff, everything that Jeff taught to us, and everything that we still need to learn. Cyrilla and Tanner continue to dig deep and push on, honoring Jeff in everything that they do. If only Jeff could see Tanner on his 5th birthday; what an amazing young man he has become and a great reflection of his father. Cyrilla inspires all of us in how she handles the path that life has presented to her, and reminds us of the love that we all have within. 

I’m not going to lie: today is a very tough day. As I write this, the tears are being suppressed by the keyboard; but smiles will come in a little while. The emotion is deep and still very raw. But the opportunity to be apart of Jeff’s life, and to see what happens when a family of firefighters and community band together to simply ‘do what is needed’; is something that will live with all of us every day. 

Here is a letter that Jeff wrote to the members of the fire department. While it was specifically written to firefighters, there are many lessons in it’s words that everyone needs to listen to.

June 29, 2005

Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to thank every single member of the fire department, and impress upon you how much your support has meant to me and my family. Without this support, the last year would have been incredibly difficult. But with everyone’s help, it has been easier than I ever expected. If you aren’t aware, approximately one year ago was my last shift, and last week I received my final paycheck. The ability to go this long between those events shows the incredible sacrifice made by everyone and I thank you for it. 

Please keep in mind that it’s not the fire trucks, fire gear, or buildings that matter…it’s the people; and when it counted most, the department and the town stood behind me and my family. I wish that everyone could take care of each other the way that you have taken care of me. Treat each other like family: if someone needs help, offer it. If someone needs criticism, be constructive. If someone wrongs you, tell them. If you make a mistake, admit it. If someone needs knowledge that you posses, teach them.  Most issues will take care of themselves if we incorporate this way of thinking.

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” -Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784)

Remember to pick your battles, choose your words, and when you have doubts or conflicts, keep in mind that you have your health; and despite what you are feeling at the moment, you do have the greatest job in the world.

I will see you around and everyone is welcome in my home. I am still the same person, I just talk a lot less.

Fraternally,
Jeff Dunn

We miss and love you Jeff. 

We went down to my folk’s house last night for dinner (hooray for Grandma’s sloppy-joe!) and encountered this male mule deer on their property. 

I know that this isn’t technically related to Ezra, but it is an important thing to discuss today. One year ago, nine firefighters gave their lives in Charleston, South Carolina attempting to save life and property. It is the single deadliest incident in the fire service since September 11, and is an unprecedented loss for all of us.

I was at work the night of the furniture store fire, and as the reports started rolling in, we all jumped on the computers searching for more information. 2 lost, then 3, then 5, then 7, then finally 9. It was one of the most heart breaking, stomach turning nights of our lives.

There are a lot of things that went wrong contributing to their deaths: many of them systemic problems within the Charleston Fire Department, many of them systemic problems within the fire service in general, many of them poor decisions that night. However, while it is arguable that their deaths were unnecessary or preventable; it is inarguable that they are heroes in the truest sense of the word. 

All that we can do now as a fire profession is learn from what happened on June 18, 2007 and make sure that it never happens again through training and dedication. What we must do as a nation is to never forget the sacrifice that they made, and the sacrifice that your local firefighters are making as you read this. Each year about 100 firefighters die in the line of duty.

Here is the Charleston Firefighters Union page.

Here is an excellent page dedicated to the incident by the Charleston Post and Courier.

Here is a video about a basketball team (that one of the firefighters coached) that will brings tears to your eyes. 

Here’s to you: Captain William “Billy” Hutchinson, 48, 30 years of service; Captain Mike Benke, 49, 29 years of service; Captain Louis Mulkey, 34, 11.5 years of service; Engineer Mark Kelsey, 40, 12.5 years of service; Engineer Bradford “Brad” Baity, 37, 9 years of service; Asst. Engineer Michael French, 27, 1.5 years of service; Firefighter James “Earl” Drayton, 56, 32 years of service; Firefighter Brandon Thompson, 27, 4 years of service; Firefighter Melvin Champaign, 46, 2 years of service.

Four Hours Ago: It would have been 5 in the morning Denver time, and I was up with Ezra. He was having some difficulty going to sleep after feeding, so he and I went downstairs and watched some TV. He had fallen asleep 15 or so minutes before 5. 

Four Days Ago: We were enjoying our second day home from the hospital, and celebrating Ahna’s 30th birthday with a brunch at my folk’s house. Dave and Mary Jo were stuck in Minneapolis and trying to get here for the evening – which they did. 

Four Weeks Ago: Two weeks before the due date and sitting with high anticipation of what was to come. That week, I worked a trade shift and we went to our weekly doctor’s appointment for Ezra. We also went to see the Flight of the Conchords in Denver and enjoyed a great and fun night out with friends. 

Four Months Ago: It was Valentine’s Day week and we were happy to be in the middle of winter. I went skiing twice that week, as I continued to learn the telemark style. The baby was still growing it’s skeleton and the bones were beginning to harden. The baby had just developed sleep/awake patterns and was beginning to hear my voice. 

Four Years Ago: Ah, the actual purpose of this post. Ahna and I got married. It was an amazing June day in Colorado, and we had a beautiful ceremony surrounded by our friends and family. It seems like a long trip since then, but it sure has passed quickly. So much has happened, with the best gift just 8 days ago. Wow, four years. 🙂 Thank you to all of our close friends and family who have helped us get to this point with rings on our fingers and bells on our shoes.