We here in town are fortunate enough to not have had a line of duty death in years. But the pain is still there when another department - anywhere - loses a member.

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For John . . .

� You were persnickity, curmudgeonly, testy and opinionated. �You did your little "dance" when using your radio, once falling off a dock because you weren't paying attention to where your dance steps were leading you. (The "glub, glub" coming over the scanner in the rig was AWESOME, and even made the victim laugh.)

� We hated the thought of you behind the wheel of anything larger than the van, and we'll never forget the day you backed into me at the parade.

� We aggravated you, at times ignored you, sometimes hid from you.

� Hopefully, despite your illnesses, you'll be available to us for needed advice, whining, or just to lend an ear when the call is bad. We will never forget your expertise at fighting fire under difficult circumstances, your compassion on medical calls, your compassion to us when it was needed.�You will be missed more than you know.

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For the Duck

� You started as a joke, a bit of plastic and acrylic hair hanging from the basket on the ladder truck.

� And then . . . the last call. �A chimney fire here, in our town. �Mutual aid.

� Up you went to the top of the old chimney on the ancient house, cheering on the members of your department who were with you.

� Not dressed in proper protective equipment, you rapidly gave new meaning to the term "crispy critter". �There was no time to save you - it happened too quickly.

� Your viewing will be remembered by all who went - tacked up as you were to the bulletin board in your station, with the notice of a line of duty death above your charred head.

� There is a new duck now, but it's not the same. Thank you (and whoever came up with the idea of you) for making us laugh when things really weren't all that funny.

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For KG . . .

� You're still dealing with the devestation in your life that alcohol and drugs have caused.

� This is to let you know that the talks (and the tears) will be remembered. We miss you, and we worry about you, and we dread each call for a motor vehicle accident or a call at your end of town. �Please take care of yourself, as best you can. And perhaps our prayers for your sobriety will be answered someday.

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