Our little “hamlet” town has been ambushed by sadness. I try not to write about the constant sad events that occur. There is enough of that on the internet, but this recent crisis hit our little town hard. For those of you that are not aware, three of our local firefighters were shot when responding to a brush fire Sunday afternoon. It is believed that the fire was set intentionally, and they were ambushed with gunshot when they arrived to put it out. Two of the firefighters died and the other is in stable condition after surgery. Our hearts are breaking for our community and particularly the victims’ families of this tragic incident.
Our little community grows up
Our little city is tucked away in North Idaho. When I grew up here over 50 years ago, it was a very small town of approximately 20,000 people. It would take twice as long to make a trip to the grocery store or post office because you would always bump into someone you knew. I remember waiting impatiently as my mom chatted with the bank teller, asking about her kids.
Years ago, my dad owned a gas station on main street. He would visit with his regular customers while pumping their gas or checking under their car hood for an engine noise. When the 3rd of July rolled around, our community would have a Kiddie’s Parade where children could dress up, put streamers on their bikes, and proudly go down that very same main street soaking up the applause from proud parents and neighbors. That was just the lead up to the big parade on July 4th, complete with marching bands and elaborate floats. The evening of July 4th we would all load up in the station wagon with our blankets and lawn chairs and head to the city park to “ooh and aah” at the fireworks display over the lake. It never occurred to us that someone might be lurking with a gun in the crowd.
Time pummels us forward and I grew up, got married and moved away for about 20 years. Then Mr. U and I decided we wanted to finish raising our kids in the little town that I grew up in. It was closer to extended family, there were a couple great ski mountains close by and lots of lakes to play in during the summer months. But in the meantime, the beauty of this little town was discovered. The population grew… a lot. The small motel on main street became a high-rise hotel and it morphed into a tourist destination. Now I seldom run into someone I know at the grocery store or post office.
Despite its growth, our little chunk of paradise maintains much of its small-town atmosphere. It is not immune to political strife and disagreements, but for the most part it is a quiet place. So, when the tragic incident occurred on Canfield Mountain right outside of town, we were shocked. I have a friend that lives at the base of this mountain that is so popular to hike and mountain bike on. How can tragedy occur at this beautiful piece of nature?
Arising from the ashes
Just when you dry your eyes from hearing about such a devastating situation, they are moist again by the community response. If there is any beauty that can come from the ashes of this event, it is how our community has come out in support of our first responders. It is how the United States, with all of its’ struggles right now, comes together after a tragedy. They show up with love, support, pocketbooks, food, and prayers. People come through. Love arises through the ashes of tragedy.
The bodies of the firefighters that lost their lives in this horrific incident, had to be transported about 40 miles. The community solemnly lined the streets and freeway overpasses, waving flags and putting hands on their hearts as the motorcade of police and fire vehicles drove through with their lights on. We will remember forever.
So, as we have our BBQ’s and light our sparklers this 4th of July, let us take a moment of silence. Let us take time to appreciate and remember those that protect us. Thank you to all of the military, police, fire fighters and health care providers that work every day to take care of us and keep us safe. We salute you.
(Note: I did not take the feature photo. It has been floating around on IG and I do not know who to credit for it. If anyone knows where it originated, please let me know and I will credit it accordingly.)
