A Sad Day in Kilgore
Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 12:33 am
This afternoon, two of our local firefighters (Kilgore) died in a training accident. Details are sketchy, and it's unsure if it was operator error, or equipment failure, but either a ladder truck or snorkle truck (with bucket) was possibly involved. Two died "at the hospital" from injuries sustained in a fall, and two more were hospitalized for injuries.
Even though I am one of 5 commissioners on our (Rusk) County Emergency Services District board, this department is a municipal department that only "contracts" to our county ESD so I am not privy to information, and our board will most likely have little, if any, involvement. Had it been one of our nine volunteer departments I would not be sitting here in front of this computer at the moment.
Having been an active firefighter, both volunteer and professional, many years ago, I still consider these guys "brothers". I did not personally know either of them, but still feel a tremendous loss. I never gave much thought to the "what if's" while training or on an active scene until many years later. In retrospect I can see the imminent danger these guys put themselves in on a daily basis.
This is just a terrible thing to happen.
May God Rest Their Souls, and Give Peace to Their Families and Fellow Firefighters"
surv
Even though I am one of 5 commissioners on our (Rusk) County Emergency Services District board, this department is a municipal department that only "contracts" to our county ESD so I am not privy to information, and our board will most likely have little, if any, involvement. Had it been one of our nine volunteer departments I would not be sitting here in front of this computer at the moment.
Having been an active firefighter, both volunteer and professional, many years ago, I still consider these guys "brothers". I did not personally know either of them, but still feel a tremendous loss. I never gave much thought to the "what if's" while training or on an active scene until many years later. In retrospect I can see the imminent danger these guys put themselves in on a daily basis.
This is just a terrible thing to happen.
May God Rest Their Souls, and Give Peace to Their Families and Fellow Firefighters"
surv