Idaho Mountain Express: Ketchum firefighters honor fallen brothers

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Ketchum firefighters honor fallen brothers

    On July 9, three members of the Ketchum Fire Department had the privilege to attend the memorial service in Prescott, Ariz., to honor and pay tribute to the 19 elite Granite Mountain Hot Shot crew members of the Prescott Fire Department that tragically lost their lives on June 30 on the Yarnell Hill Fire. We were fortunate to get seats inside the Tim’s Toyota Center arena, which held 6,000 while thousands of others watched the service on jumbo screens in the grueling heat in the parking lot.
   The scene was a sea of full-dress uniforms from all over the nation. The center of the arena was reserved for the Prescott Fire Department, their Hot Shot crews and members of the families. The theme of the day was to honor and pay respect to the fallen men, but to also acknowledge the bond between firefighters. The day was filled with speeches from dignitaries including the vice president and the governor of Arizona. The most moving part of the ceremony came when Brendan McDonough, the unit’s only survivor, was introduced to a standing ovation. Brendan recited the Hot Shot Firefighter Prayer and finished by stating, “I miss my brothers, and we are here to remember them. I love my family. Thank you for supporting me”.
   One can only imagine the strength and courage it took for this 21-year-old young man to take the stage in front of thousands in his time of grief. The service concluded with well over 200 bagpipers and drummers smartly dressed in their dress uniform kilts playing “Amazing Grace.”
   As we reflect back over the memorial service for our fallen brothers, we pray that Brendan and the Prescott Fire Department will have the strength to carry on, as we know they will. The men and women of the fire services around the world will also carry on doing their job of protecting lives and property with pride and vision to the future while honoring the traditions of the past.
   It is an honor to serve the citizens and guests of the Wood River Valley. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the greatest profession in the world. It has given us more then we can possibly return.
Ketchum Fire Department
Robbie Englehart, Assistant fire chief
Brian Poster, Squad leader/engineer
Richard Williams, Engineer/paramedic
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