Sunday 11.15.09
After leaving Ladder# 7 we traveled a short distance to where Rescue #1 is housed. The rescue company had lost a brother in the same fire that FF Croom was killed. Lieutenant Charles "Chip" McCarthy lost his life after falling through a floor and becoming trapped. We learned that Croom became trapped in the same fashion when he responded to a mayday called out by Lt. McCarthy. When we arrived we found the door propped open like they were expecting visitors. I'm pretty sure the ladder called and told them we were coming. We went in and met Lieutenant Tony Liberatore. The first thing he asked is if we were hungry. I think by looking at us he could answer his own question. He sat us down and fed us a leftover Italian dish that they had for brunch. We shared with the Lt. who we were and why we do what we do. He then shared with us that he felt like things were just starting to calm down and the new normal was beginning. They had taken all the pictures and memorial items off the walls and had started to put other reminders away. He shared that several guys had taken Chips' death extremely hard. He also said that his platoon was a pretty quiet group and they may or may not want to talk with us. We told him that we could just leave everything and they crews could look it over when ever they wanted. He said no, he would make an announcement that their were visitors that had a presentation and whoever wanted to be part of it could come out. We had about 4 or 5 come out to see what we were about. Art was able to make contact with a FF who asked for material to give the Chaplin. We then were able to spend some more time with the Lt. He showed us around the station. He told us about a partner that he had many years ago that was injured in a collapse. He later slipped into a coma for 9 years. Miraculously he woke up one day. He was able to spend time with his wife and sons. He also remembered the Lt. He told us that he told his friend when he got his strength back that he would get him down to the station and take him for a ride on the rescue. Another brother there said how about fighting fire. The Lt. told him that if he wanted to fight fire that he had is back, so when he was ready to let him know. The Lt. said that the man sat up and ripped of the blankets and said "I'm ready now". His friend was paralyzed and blind. The Lt. said that it was to much for him to handle and he had to leave the room. The next day the man slipped back into a coma and died shortly after. What an amazing story. This hero had the opportunity to spend one last day with his family and friends. These stories are the reason that Mark Inc. produced Wounded Healers and why we have made it our mission to get them in the hands of these true heroes.
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