"The staff and Survivors Network from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation were a lifeline for me that first difficult year. I was able to realize that I was not alone in my grief and loving, helping hands were only a phone call or an e-mail away.
The many programs available to survivors and members of the fire service are a valuable resource to assist those who have lost a firefighter in the line of duty. Through these programs, we continue to honor those we have lost as well as educate members of the fire service.
Each year, dozens of survivors return to assist the honor families during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. We work with the honor families as they come to Emmitsburg, MD to help them find closure and continue their long journey into healing.
Today, I'm proud to say that I travel the country speaking on behalf of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. If I have been able to help one survivor or educate one firefighter on the need for safety then I have done my job.
My husband's best friend at our fire department, Danny Goetz, was one of the first to order the Harley-Davidson® Firefighter Special Edition. He tells me when he rides his Harley – and folks question him about the bike – he always speaks about my husband, Lee. You can't ask for a better tribute than that."
My husband of almost thirty-five years died in the line of duty on January 8, 2000. That cold January night, he responded to a structure fire in our small town with the volunteer fire department. He had been operating the pumper and was found on the ground unconscious – but breathing. On the way into the hospital, we lost Lee. Despite the best efforts of the hospital, my best friend and husband was gone.
I consider myself fortunate. I was the paramedic in charge of EMS that night, and was with Lee when he left me. I had those last few precious minutes to tell him I loved him.
Even though it's been nine years, Lee's death is still felt by our community. Not a week passes without someone telling me that they think of him on that day.
Lee was a very quiet man. He loved his community and felt his fellow firefighters were brothers. Lee was the first one to volunteer for a job and the last to leave after the work was completed. He always had a kind word to say about everyone. I can't name one person who didn't respect Lee.
I miss him every day. And in his own way, he tells me each day that he is with me in my heart. We had always said that after we are gone, we would like to be remembered with a smile. Lee is smiling with us today.