First reponders, first hand

Yesterday, I had to call on Dallas first responders after I arrived home to find that my home had been burglarized.  Officer Ramirez was at my place within minutes and his calm demeanor and genuine empathy helped to calm my spirit.  The bad guys took everything of value I owned:  my computer, photos, cameras and my grandmother's jewelry.  Luckily, I was not home while the crime was being committed.  I am safe. 

I couldn't help but think of our DFD firemen and women doing their duty in situations where time is of the utmost importance. They must be clear headed, quick and calm.  In the midst of smoke, fire and loss of property and lives - our firefighters must always protect the citizens of Dallas. 

So, thank you to the Dallas Police and Fire Department for all that you do. 

This morning, at ten o'clock

This morning Dallas Fire-Rescue buries a hero.  Rest in peace, Lt. Krodle.

Firefighter's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child
Before it’s too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.

And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife

-Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn, 1958

A fallen hero; Lt. Todd Krodle

We must pause and realize that while our cause with Truck 11 is important, it's the lives of our firefighters that matter above all else.  We would like to offer our prayers and deepest sympathies to the family, friends and Station 26 brothers of Lt. Todd Krodle who gave the ultimate sacrifice and fell in the line of duty. 

Our prayers continue for the firefighters that remain serving day after day; that they may never meet the same tragic fate. 

Town Hall Meetings: Update

Reports are coming back from the Town Hall meetings that many in the city council have heard about this issue and that we are giving them cause for pause regarding the truck relocation programs.  We still have a long way to go until the end of September when the final decision is made - but we are being heard, and that's where it all starts. 

We now have a petition to sign!

You can use this link to petition Angela Hunt and the Budget Committee to keep Truck 11:

tinyurl.com/savestation11

Sign up and tell you friends, neighbors and favorite Uptown/Oak Lawn and Turtle Creed establishments to do the same.

Our cause is gaining traction!

So many wonderful news stories were run yesterday!

It started with Robert Wilonsky from the Observer's Unfair Park:

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2011/08/some_folks_are_worried_the_cit.php 

Channels 5 and 8 ran stories on TV:

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Concerned-citizens-launch-fight-to-save-Dallas-fire-truck--127566483.html 

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Oak-Lawn-Fights-Proposed-Fire-Engine-Shuffling-127564363.html 

These stories give us a wonderful springboard to involve more local business, associations and residents!  Keep the support coming!

Watch for our wonderful supporters on the news tonight: Channels 5 and 8