Firefighters deserve our thanks

The Concord Fire Department is hurting these days. The brave and dedicated members of Concord's Fire Department have had to begin almost every day with new revelations about the recently resigned Fire Officer Mr. Mitchell. These men and women dread opening the Concord Monitor for fear that they will read yet more stories about the actions of the former officer.

These are the same Firefighters who spend their every working day protecting you and I from fire, flood, and health emergency, and now they have to bear the burden of the bad actions of one of their own officers. They all feel betrayed and angry. They want to know why one of their own would abuse the public trust in this way.

Concord's Firefighters worked long hours during the recent rains to help the members of this community. Concord's firefighters have served us all in the heat, in the rain, and in the cold. In short they are always there ready to help us when we are in need. They work during holidays, they work on weekends and midnights.They work for us while their familes worry that their firefighter fathers, son and wifes will survive and return home to them at the end of their shifts. Many of Concord's bravest traveled down south to assist people in the wake of Hurrican Katrina, many have gone west in the past to fight devastating forest fires, and many have been hurt in the line of duty while they fight to save our homes from fire.

I believe that Concord has to remember that the actions of one misguided and foolish officer have to be separated from the entire Fire Department. We cannot assume that all of our firefighters are corrupt or dangerous. In fact the majority are brave, dedicated men and women who's mission in life is to save others from the dangers this world brings be it fire, flood, hurricane, or health emergency. So when you see a firefighter thank them for what they do every day and thank them for serving our Community. And yes be angry about the one that broke the law and his ethical bond with the communtiy but remember it is just one.

Concord's Firefighters are honorable and committed men and women and deserve our admiration and respect. They serve us well.