Reflection on LODDs in '05

[Guest hoss]

It is November 14th, and so far this calendar year 2005, we have 94 confirmed LODDs in the US fire service.

Let us pause for a moment and remember these FFs who made the ultimate sacrifice. Life will never be the same for their loved ones left behind, their spouses, children, parents,extended family, friends and firefighting communities.

Any number is too high... were some of these avoidable? Maybe. Let us honor them by continuing to answer the call. But let us also take better care of our own health and speak out when we see unsafe fireground practices. That is the minimum we owe to our own families and friends.