We celebrated Dean's life this evening................

[JimB.]

This evening we had the funeral service for my co-worker & fellow firefighter, Dean.

It was brief, dignified, understated & respectful.

It was attended by over 200 firefighters from various services, with over 20 engines & rescue squad in the processional.

Dean's wife & son were presented with his firefighter's helmet & an American Flag.

It was one of the most particularly gut wrenching things I've ever been through. There was not a dry eye in the crowd, from the grizzled old vets to the rookies & family.

We even had 2 trauma helicopters do a "fly by".

The Book of Jude says (perhaps a bit out of context).................

"And of some have compassion, making a difference.
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.................."

That was Dean. A man who cared deeply for his community, family & country.

A man who will be missed.........................................

 

[Luv2Dream]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You were blessed to have known such a wonderful person.

 

[debster812]

Jim,

My dad is a retired FF/EMT and as far back as I can remember, he took us to services for Firefighters once we were old enough to understand what it was all about.

You are so right about gut-wrenching. I have a hard time to this day listening to anything played on bagpipes (this pre-dates 9/11/01).

I'm glad the service was dignified and respectful. You all deserve nothing less.

Debbie

 

[fireplug]

Our department lost one of our cadets earlier this year in a snowmobile accident. And earlier this month we lost the 28 y/o wife of one of our engineers. So I know what is going on within your department. Take the neccessary time to grieve and then let the unity continue to keep you all as family.

Good luck, stay safe and God Bless.

Steve

 

[helenabear]

So sorry for your loss Sounds like he was one wonderful man.

 

[Pooh93]

I am so sorry.

 

[newmousecateer]

Oh Jim

So sorry for the loss to you, the family and the community.

{{HUGS}} to everyone.

What wondeful words. He would have been so proud to hear them.

I will say a prayer for wife and son tonite. May God give them the strength to carry on in life without him, cherishing the memories that will ever sustain them.

Marilyn

 

[KimRaye]

My sympathies and Prayers.

 

[Talking Hands]

Sorry for your loss Jim. Obviously this beautiful city of yours has lost a great man.

 

[Dan Murphy]

A big {hug} for you, Jim. A real brotherhood it is. God bless, Dean and his families.

 

[EROS]

I'm sorry for your loss, Commander Jim . You and I are both reminded every day of the real fragility of life; it's ALWAYS hard to truly confront such devastating forces which are truly out of our control.

Peace be with you,

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>Jim,

Consider yourself blessed to have known Dean and witness his humanity.

My condolences on your sorrow.

hugs,

Mary Jo

 

[glo]

{{{HUGS}}}

 

[Serena]

{{{hugs}}}

I'm sorry for the loss of someone so special.

 

[Doctor P]

My sympathies and prayers.

 

[bfeller]

So sorry for your loss. My condolences

 

[DaisyDebbie]

My sympathies. I too cannot listen to bagpipes without thinking of a funeral, especially Amazing Grace.

 

[nativetxn]

I cried just reading this, JimB. What a great man your friend must have been, I can see how much you respected and admired him.

I'm so sorry your friend will no longer be with you

 

[snoopy]

As the wife of a former firefighter, I know how tough these services can be.

I'm sorry for your loss, Jim. My prayers extended to Dean's friends and family.