Many of you know that my wife and I have volunteered with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company (in Sterling, Virginia) for more than 15 years.
One year ago, tonight, my little community of 183 homes suffered a catastrophic explosion of a home just four houses away from where my wife and I have lived for 30+ years.
The explosion knocked photos off our walls. Curtains ripped from the walls and the drywall in our garage ceiling collapsed from the pressure of the explosion.
The explosion not only rattled and scarred my little community, it tragically took the life of my fellow friend and firefighter, Trevor Brown, who served with my wife and I at the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company.
The explosion also significantly injured 11 more of my brothers and sisters , several of whom have still not been able to return to duty and in some cases to work.
I was the first fire-rescue personnel on the scene after the explosion. I cannot even describe the horror..the house completely obliterated. And my guys...my fire-rescue family buried under tons of rubble, two of which suffering significant burn injuries.
But today...today we reflected and honored their sacrifices.
Here is a video I put together for today's events. I thought I'd share a little piece of my world...
Peace....
https://youtu.be/KmFPj6pYq4I?si=Rx6NMpGhCBL5laDU