At the Rim Country Museum in Payson, Arizona stands a monument to forest fire fighters who perished in the area.
There are way too many names on the plaque. Six of them are from the nearby 1990 “Dude Fire.” Three people are from 1961 within a week of each other. I knew one of them. Constantine (Corky) Kodz was a Forest Service employee working as a fire observer in a plane that collided with another airplane over a forest fire known as the “Hatchery Fire” near Payson. Corky was not only a coworker of my Dad but Corky, his wife, and kids were close family friends and also members of our church. Kodz’s death was the first that I remember and it shook me up quite a bit. Especially seeing his wife and kids learning how to go on without their husband and father.
So excuse me if I get a little irritated when some people talk about how civil servants are lazy and don’t work hard..
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
I do so understand what you have written! We owe them all so much!! They have given everything that we can be safer! Of course, there are workers – civil and otherwise everywhere that perhaps don’t do all they could do, but I think for the most part we can exclude the majority of civil servants! I couldn’t do what they do and I have so much admiration and gratitude for them! A wonderful post for the day! Thank you!
And now more fire fighters are putting their own lives in danger near Payson.
Anyone who says civil servants are lazy have No idea what they are talking about.
Everyone should thank our police and fire fighters the same way they thank those serving in the military .. its just as dangerous ..
You make a strong point. Those fires are always so dangerous seen from afar.
Lovely reminder of those who work so hard to take care of us. Very nice post.
I can’t even imagine taking on that job! So grateful for those who do!
These are people with extraordinary heart. I admire the courage and appreciate their gift.
That is really sad. I have a tremendous respect for those in that field. Thanks for sharing!