Just Down the Road
by Sandy Rosenberger
On September 5, as a result of closed streets and detours, I was
late for an appointment in Owego. Zigging and zagging toward my destination,
I noticed a large group of people in uniforms followed by the flashing
lights of many fire engines. What was going on? Why was a parade scheduled
on a Friday morning?
Around 2:30pm on August 27, a fire was reported at Robinson Lumber
in rural Owego. Firefighters and equipment from nine fire districts in
New York and Pennsylvania responded, along with neighbors and friends who
selflessly assisted any way they could. As a result of a tremendous amount
of effort and bravery of those involved, the fire did not consume the entire
operation. Material damage was extensive and financially devastating, but
the emotional toll on many people was and continues to be overwhelming.
The ultimate tragedy occurred when a dedicated firefighter suffered
a heart attack and passed away a few days later. Stephen Gavin was the
first firefighter in the State of New York to die in the line of duty in
2003. For thirty-four years, Mr. Gavin had been an active fireman for Susquehanna
Hose Company #1 of the Owego Fire Department. His three sons proudly followed
in his footsteps once they were old enough to volunteer. Last year, Mr.
Gavin and his sons were presented with the Fireman of the Year Award.
The parade on September 5 was actually a funeral procession to honor a fallen hero. According to a reliable source, approximately two-hundred firemen and over one-hundred fire vehicles were part of the procession. Representatives of fire departments from as far away as New York City participated. At the funeral home, Mr. Gavin's casket was mournfully placed on his company's #801 engine, the same vehicle he often drove during emergencies. Engine #801 proceeded to Mr. Gavin's church, followed by firemen, fire vehicles, family and friends. After a funeral, the long procession continued the sorrowful journey to the cemetery for a graveside service.
Stephen Gavin and others who unselfishly volunteer their skills and valuable time to help those in need serve the community because they want to, not because they have to. Unfortunately, they and their services are often taken for granted. When people need help they expect someone to respond right away, no matter when or where.
Our truck caught fire one frigid, snowy February morning; Mr. R yelled to call 911 and get out of the house. I threw the cats out the door, grabbed the pup and photo albums and we struggled to the road. It seemed forever as we paced, watching the ghastly scene - smoke and flames devouring our truck and threatening our home. Fortunately, many wonderful volunteers arrived in time to prevent further damage.
When Junior almost died in our home, I dialed 911. A dispatcher tried to calm me down, talked me through resuscitating him, and sent volunteers who stabilized and transported him and me to the hospital. In both instances, we were virtually helpless and relied on others to protect our home and son. Mr. R, Junior, and I are very grateful for the valuable services of 911 and volunteers of various organizations who have unfailingly assisted us over the years.
Most residents of small towns and rural areas rely on emergency services staffed by volunteers. These extraordinary individuals spend countless hours acquiring the best possible skills to provide the best possible services to people they often don't know. Sometimes they put their lives at risk protecting you and me. When I see an ambulance, responding fire vehicle, or a vehicle with a flashing blue light, I give silent thanks and hope others share my sentiments. Keep in mind the next 911 call they respond to could be from you.
The Community Press
a free newspaper, published monthly
serving the Tioga County, New York, area
Copyright 2003 Brown Enterprise and Marketing