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Eastern Idaho Fraternal Order of Leatherheads
3rd Annual 9/11 Run for the Brothers
There are many things that people are passionate
about in their lives. Some people live for the NBA, the NFL,
fishing, or even NASCAR. Most folks will go to great lengths
to satisfy their passion for any given activity.
On September 6, 2008 I had the honor of being surrounded
with people that share the passion for the American Fire Service.
On this beautiful morning approximately 50 firefighters and their
families joined together to experience the sensation that can
only come from being around those that share the same passion.
We had music, snacks, drinks, and of course, the all coveted
t-shirt for the event. The first folks to show up (other than
organizers) were from the Ammon and Ucon Volunteer Fire Departments.
We also had firefighters from Pocatello, Rexburg, Roberts, and
the Idaho Falls Fire Department. The mix of career and volunteer
was about 50/50 and all were welcomed as we knew that all of
the 343 miles would be run that day.
After some words from Cody Anderson, President of
the Eastern Idaho F.O.O.L.S., and a tune from Kim Getsinger,
Pipe Sergeant for the I.F.F.D. Pipes and Drums, we all moved
to path and started running. Each runner carried a card with
the name and rank of a firefighter that perished that fateful
day. We all ran different distances, some shorter, some further,
but the commitment and devotion was the same. Some pushed their
kids in strollers, some walked, and some stood by and watched.
The common feeling was one of reverence and remembrance, but
after a few laps we all began to talk and laugh, as our profession,
whether career or volunteer, is one of people united for a common
good. We form a cohesive group that is as strong as our families
at home. If fact many of our families wonder if we prefer to
be at the station than at home with them.
The reality is that we all have two families, and
as the last lap was run, we reflected on the value of both. Many
of us have realized that we do not take away from our first family
by having another, but that the two families enhance each other.
We run for those that are no longer with us, we run to share
time with those that are, and we run to remember that life is
a tentative thing at best.
Jeff Parsons, Treasurer Eastern Idaho F.O.O.L.S.
KTF PTB DPT NQFTM
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