Sorry Folks,

But I felt the need to share this with someone and felt the group would be understanding.

FNP Story

I have know this fine young man and his family for most of his life, living up the street from his family, my two older daughters played with his sister when they were little kids.

He was a member of our Fire Department (Independent Hose Co#1) and fellow team member of the Frederick County Advanced Technical Team, where I have had the privilege of training with him for several years. He was a career Firefighter in Loudon County, VA, where he served as a Lieutenant. Both his volunteer and career departments will sorely miss him and his friendly and endearing nature. A life cut too short.

Pete

Pete,

You have my sympathy. It's always hard to believe someone you know can actually die...

-Blast

Sorry to hear of this loss. My condolences for those who were clsoe to and will miss him.

Sad.

But it points out a few things: Life is delicate and life is inherently hazardous. Survival is a temporary reprieve and entirely provisional. You can do everything right and still die. Sometimes luck and timing make training and preparation meaningless.

Your far more likely to die on the road than by wolf attack, disaster, or plane crash. If conditions don't favor driving think long and hard about staying put. Staying at work or at friends or a hotel if you need to and showing up late is far better than not showing up at all. Develop a network of friends who have a couch for a night. Keep a couch and sheets ready for friends. When you do drive drive carefully and wear your seatbelt.

I am not saying this person did anything wrong. Everyone choses the course they think is best and none can be effectively judged after the fact. He made what he considered to be the right choice for his situation. I have sometimes driven through conditions that I shouldn't have when I look back. So far I have always gotten away with it. Far more luck than skill I'm sure.

Pete,
My sincere condolences to the family, friends, and members of both Fire Departments. Tragedy strikes when we least expect it. The thin blue line is sadly one shorter today. May our Brother rest in peace.
L. Scott McCaskill, Captain
FF, EMT-P, Rescue Specialist

Pete:

As a former firefighter, my most sincerest sympathy to the family, you and all members and staff of both fire departments.

I can only echo Captain McCaskill's eloquent words: "The thin blue line is sadly one shorter today."

Pete
My condolences to his family, and to you on the loss of a friend and colleague. It’s always a sad day when the country loses one of it’s finest.

Pete,

Along with others, I send my condolences to you on the loss of your friend.

I'm sure all of us are available for whatever you need us for.

"Oh! I have slipped the surely bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds... and soared and swung [h]igh in the sunlight silence. And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod...The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God."

excerpt from "High Flight" by Pilot Officer John G. Magee Jr

I know how you feel.

Live your life so as not to disappoint the ones who have already crossed over the bar before you. That's how you honor and remember them, that's how they continue to live on.

I feel for you, their other shipmates, and their families. Bo

I'm sorry for your loss Pete.

The loss of one diminishes us all regardless of how far away geographically.

There are no doubt many lives that have been touched by this man during his short stay on Earth and the effects of his actions will continue on affecting others even though he's gone.

A life way too short and will still echoing through others for years to come.

On behalf of the family and the Fire Service, I would like to thank each one of you for your thoughts and prayers. On Saturday, Alex received a well-deserved send off and celebration of his life. Hundreds of Fire Service and Law Enforcement personal along with a Marine Honor Guard and a couple of hundred family and friends met to honor this fine young man.

Fire/Rescue apparatus and personal was stationed at every intersection between the church and the cemetery (a 5 mile plus route), including the closure of US15 N, where individuals who ended being displaced for miles during the funeral possession, stood, many with hands and hats over hearts, small children saluting, giving the family much comfort.

FNP - Funeral Story Slide Show on right side of page

Next to the church where hundreds of Fire Service personal stood in the cold morning air was group of Cub, Weblos and Boy Scouts, there for another Scouting event, stood at attention while the casket was being loaded onto the engine for it’s trip to the cemetery.

While I am sure there were a few individuals who were upset at being “inconvenienced”, the vast majority of the people gave great respect for this home-town hero.

Thanks to all-
Pete