Cheri Marchand Schilling
We take them for granted and never give them a second thought.
We complain that they are never there when their needed or never quick enough.
Those complaints can be heard echoing daily anywhere one walks.
Firefighters and police, they can never win.
These men and women put their lives on the line everyday for you and I.
Yes, they made that choice but then again would you be willing to make
the same choice and give your life for another?
That is the ultimate gift...
the ultimate sacrifice to give ones life for a stranger!
Human nature says "NO"; survival of oneself is generally first and foremost.
These heroes we take for granted are underpaid and under appreciated for the service that they give,
yet they willing do it for the good of all.
Collectively we need to remember these men and woman and say thank you when you are helped by them,
not growl that they didn't magically appear the moment you dialed the phone.
Moreno Valley lost one of those heroes and a few were hurt in August.
CDF Station 58 on Moreno Beach Blvd lost one of their sons and with them,
we, as a community, lost one too.
Four weeks before this tragic loss this station responded to a fire that
involved four propertiesŠone of those was mine.
It may seem like an eternity when you are watching those flames destroy and light up a night sky...
it's the helplessness and despair that you really feel.
Six trucks responded in total in that wee hour of the night and I thanked God and
them for their willingness to sacrifice there lives.
For my neighbors and me, we were fortunate, it was only property that burned,
but for others we owe our lives to them.
I was stunned and sadden when I heard the news.
I said a quick prayer for the families of those hurt and the one who lost his life.
I watched the papers for news of a service so I might pay my respects.
After all that is the least that I could do for someone who had put his life on the line for my children and I.
It was the least that I could do to say how much I appreciated his willingness to give his life for me and for you.
It was the least I could do to pay my respects to a family who lost a son and a husband.
The fallen young hero was Chris Kanton. He was only 24.
This is in his memory and my gift to CDF Station 58 and his family.
On behalf of our Community, we send our condolences.
Thank you for the sacrifices that you make for our lives, our homes and our community.
We are fortunate and blessed to have these men and women protecting our community.
We need to remember they're not our enemy they are only here to help,
protect and to serve us, the citizens of Moreno Valley.
