A few days ago a large fire broke out near the cities of Gorman and Eastland, Texas. This fire grew to immense proportions and eventually required the response of numerous fire departments. The ever-present hazard facing firefighters during a wildfire is being trapped by the flames. On April 16th this happened during the Gorman fire. A group of firefighters were forced to abandon their fire engine.
One of the fireman caught in this critical situation was Matt Clark, a volunteer fireman. At one point the flames actually caught him and he received third degree burns on his hands, face and legs. He saw a fellow firefighter collapse onto the burning ground. Clark, though injured, carried the fallen fireman to safety. Both were transported to the hospital. Matt Clark is still hospitalized as some of his injuries have become infected.
Let's all pray for Matt's comfort and a speedy recovery. Because of his actions, another fireman's name did not have to be added to the growing list of fallen heroes.
Incidentally, thirty-one fireman have lost their lives across the nation since January 1st while engaged in fighting fires. Some of the firefighters perished in intentionally set blazes. It is a dangerous job, yet there is not shortage of those men and women who still willingly put their lives on the line each time a fire alarm sounds. They are heroes in my eyes. I only wish no more of them would ever have to give the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of our safety.
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