While fighting a wildfire, 14 firefighters (2 Smoke Jumpers, 2 Helitac Crew and 10 Hot Shots) were trapped in dense oak brush as the fire raged toward them. Unable to make it up the rugged mountain, the 14 gave their lives protecting a town in which none of them lived.
The Storm King fire is very close to our hearts, as it occurred the same year that Jay worked on the Flagstaff Hot Shot Crew. One month after the Storm King 14 perished, Jay and his crew were called to fight a fire in Idaho. The loss of their brothers and sisters weighed heavy on their minds as they flew into Boise.
Our wedding was scheduled for October 8. Every Sunday, our church prayed for the safety of Jay and his crew and for Jay to make it home in time for our wedding. After 30 straight days working on the fire line, our prayers were answered. Rain put out the fire and 3 weeks before the wedding, Jay returned home.
Today, Jay and I had the honor of remembering the fallen 14 at Storm King Mountain. After the fire, volunteers created a memorial trail from the base of the mountain to the places the 14 lost their lives. The trail was left rugged and steep as it was for the fire fighters that day. As you hike, you focus on the demanding and dangerous work the firefighters endured. In the sweltering heat, they carried 60 pounds of gear up the steep slopes, fighting their way through thickets and underbrush.
At the summit, the first memorial stands. It is dedicated to all 14. Here, people leave a variety of tokens ranging from hats, scarves and fire fighter specific mementos.
From there, the trail leads to the top of the escape route they all tried to reach. The trees are covered with t-shirts and bandannas from all over the country. Someone even left a Pulaski fire fighting tool in the tree.
A steep decent then leads to the granite crosses and shrines of 12 of the 14. Here, 2 Smoke Jumpers and 10 Hot Shots are forever remembered. It was obvious they were all trying to help each other, not wanting to leave anyone behind. The two Helitac Crew memorials are another 1/10 mile in the opposite direction. It was a solemn and touching sight.
The mountain is now, 21 years later, regenerating. As a beautiful tribute, yellow daisies, purple wildflowers and green tree blossoms are dotting the mountain. We left our token and our prayers with them on the mountain.
The Storm King 14 - Forever Remembered:
Jon Kelso; Levi Brinkley; Tami Bickett; Jim Thrash; Kathi Beck; Terri Hagen; Doug Dunbar;
Roger Roth; Scott Blecha; Rob Johnson; Bonnie Holtby; Don Mackey; Richard Tyler;
Robert Browning Jr.
I remember praying for his safety! That was a tough time!
ReplyDeleteIt was a really tough time! Love you!
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