THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 31, 1996 TAG: 9603290215
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 190 lines
I am the wife of a Chesapeake firefighter and member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2449.
First, I would like to express my deepest sorrow and sympathy to Frank's and Johnny's families, friends and fire fighting and EMS brothers and sisters and their families.
My life has been touched by knowing so many of the men and women in the department. But I realized more so this week how even more special and precious these people are. Not only do they have life-endangering jobs that are physically and emotionally taxing, jobs that most people I know could not handle, they love people and they love each other.
This past week, I have met, hugged and cried with men and women (some I knew; most I didn't) that have come from within the Chesapeake Fire Department and the Hampton Roads area to as far away as Canada, Wisconsin, Connecticut and small counties in Virginia I never knew existed to pay their respects to these fallen firefighters and their families. Although, I sadly regret the tragic circumstances under which I have come to meet these people, nonetheless, my life has been deeply blessed by the love and comfort they have given me and to one another.
I am writing not just to express my sorrow and condolences, but to appeal to those firefighters to maintain those bonds that were so strong to begin with and that have grown triple-fold this past week. Gather together and fight for what is right, for what you need to keep yourselves and the community safe - be it more manpower, equipment or benefits. You need to do it!
I also appeal to the citizens, not just of Chesapeake, but of the Hampton Roads area (and thank you for your support; it really helped the firefighters to know that the love and concern of the community is so strong) to support your firefighters' associations. They are the voices of the firefighters, the ones who risk their lives and their families' futures to save your lives and your futures. Write or call City Council members, not just now but in the future when issues and concerns are brought forward.
God bless the families, the firefighters and EMS, their friends and the community, who have all been touched by this.
Lisa J. Kreisel
Suffolk Firefighters' thanks
The Professional Fire Fighters of Chesapeake would like to express to the citizens of Hampton Roads our heartfelt appreciation. The outpouring of support and compassion we have received since the tragic death of our brother firefighters has been miraculous. The response of the community was and continues to be overwhelming.
When we become firefighters, we make a commitment to the community. That commitment is to the safety of the citizens. It is our highest priority. With full knowledge of the risks, we put ourselves in harm's way to meet that goal.
The recent death of two of our own has cast a cloud of fear and uncertainty over the community we protect. Our own grief and anxiety has been almost too much to bear. Yet, through it all, we must go on.
And go on we will. Our devotion to duty, in the face of sorrow, has been made possible by the faithfulness you have shown to us. The love and affection you displayed has reinforced within us the reasons why we do this job.
Mark Simmons
President
Professional Fire Fighters of Chesapeake Why enter building?
I'm sure a lot of concerned citizens will express themselves in regard to the tragic fire and deaths of two firemen at Advance Auto on Indian River Road. I am not a fireman, but I have attended schooling in fire prevention.
The fire was started through the carelessness of a power company worker. When firemen arrived, the building was in flames. However, no one was inside and no life was endangered.
The roof was flat. The building was stocked with highly flammable-combustible petroleum products. The building was a blazing inferno. A TV reporter said the two firemen were sent into the building.
Who sent the two firemen into the building and why?
C.K. Miller
Tanglewood Trail Symbol of mourning
On March 18, two firefighters who served with the city of Chesapeake Fire Department became fallen heroes in the line of duty while fighting a fire on Indian River Road in Chesapeake. It is a tragedy when this happens. It not only touches the families who are suffering their loss, it also reflects on our community.
On Tuesday, I had to drop off some paperwork at City Hall in Chesapeake. Upon arrival, I noticed that the flags weren't at half mast as a tribute in mourning for our two departed brothers. This is a disgrace.
I inquired at the mayor's office and could only speak to the mayor's secretary, Dorothea Moore, who seemed very abrupt to my questioning with regard to the lowering of the flags. I was told that if the governor or the president of the United States didn't issue an order for the flags to fly at half mast, it could not be done.
I personally made phone calls to Gov. George Allen's office and to President Clinton's office, where they informed me that an order was not necessary to fly the flags at half mast.
The City of Chesapeake should have contacted Gov. Allen's office immediately when this tragedy happened, and he would have authorized the flags to fly at half mast at City Hall. Both the Governor's Office and the President's Office were very receptive to my plight because these two firemen had died so valiantly.
If other businesses around our city have lowered their flags to half mast in tribute, what is wrong with City Hall? Mayor Ward, what are you thinking? You should realize how brave these men are, sacrificing their lives for our protection. Can't you honor them in their mourning? This is deplorable.
As a resident of Chesapeake and also a past volunteer fireman, we express our sorrow to the families and brother firemen.
Ceasar di Monda
Pocaty Road Nance applauded
I want to respond to the letter to the editor in Sunday's Clipper entitled ``Don't forget record.''
Responsible, positive-thinking citizens know that Robert T. Nance Jr. has done more for the city of Chesapeake than we could attempt to list here.
Clint Johnson is a negative-thinking person who must prefer having unqualified people and mismanagement in high places. We applaud the stand Mr. Nance has taken in his decision making. We will vote for him again, in hope that he will continue to clean house in the city of Chesapeake.
Molly Barnes
Taylor Road Election choices
The Chesapeake-Kempsville Young Republicans are proud to announce our endorsements for the upcoming May election.
First, John Cosgrove is our selection for mayor of Chesapeake. For 18 years, Bill Ward has been willing to bring more concrete to Chesapeake than water or parks. As everyone knows, the residential development in this city has gotten out of control. It seems that the incumbent has been unwilling to address this problem. John Cosgrove will address this problem for Chesapeake.
Cosgrove is a unique individual who wants to use a common-sense growth plan for our city. He is someone who will also bring about a sense of responsibility for our City Council. He is a terrific person who will move Chesapeake into the 21st century.
For School Board, the Chesapeake-Kempsville Young Republicans are proud to endorse Patti Willis for Chesapeake School Board. As a mother with children in the schools, she will be a School Board member who puts our children's agenda over any special interest group's agenda.
Since most of the Chesapeake-Kempsville Young Republicans attend Chesapeake schools, Patti Willis will have a major impact on the type of education for many of our members. She will support higher-standards of learning to make sure young people have the right type tools for either college or the job field.
Voters in Chesapeake have a major decision in May on how our city is going to look in the 21st century. Will we continue the policies of the past or a new vision for the future? With people like John Cosgrove and Patti Willis, the future looks very bright for Chesapeake.
Please make sure that your vote is heard in May.
Ken Robol
President
Young Republicans
Amherst Court Best man for mayor
As a life-long resident of Chesapeake, I have to wonder if this May election is going to address the growth problem facing the city. For more than 18 years, Mayor William E. Ward has sat on City Council and turned his head as development has gotten out of control. It's time now for the citizens of Chesapeake to ask whether or not our roads, schools and city can take another four years of Bill Ward.
After meeting John Cosgrove, I believe he is the best man for the job. It is time to stop the over-development of Chesapeake. I hope everyone in Greenbrier will vote for John Cosgrove for mayor of Chesapeake.
Jerry Hattermar
Northview Drive Beloved teacher
I have been touched by a very enthusiastic, fun teacher. Her name is Ms. Janet Devaney. She teaches seventh-grade history at Crestwood Middle School.
When she teaches, she makes the lessons fun, entertaining and also very educational. Most kids see Ms. Devaney as a second mother at school.
I think Ms. Devaney is a perfect nominee for ``Teacher of the Year!''
Christina Gordon
Damyien Arch New uniforms needed
I was a cheerleader at Crestwood Middle School. It was fun cheering for a season, but we needed new uniforms. They are old and out of style.
I suggest that the people in the community should donate money for new uniforms.
everything else.
I feel strongly about this because I would like for the cheerleaders to look nice when they are cheering.
Bernita Harrison
Harbour Place by CNB