Mother of a Los Alamos Firefighter

Four years ago, our son graduated from his firefighter training at Los Alamos. It was strenuous and demanding. We were so proud of Jon when he accomplished his training and attended the graduation ceremony.

In this photo he had just demonstrated to us how quickly he could get into his uniform. We were shocked at how heavy the jacket and helmet were. We were amazed at what it takes for firefighters to carry all that weight plus the hose, etc.


He didn't tell us he was chosen to be a flag bearer. Bald was never a good look for Jon, but he looked just dandy to us.

He was a firefighter for Los Alamos for a couple of years before he decided to go back to school to earn another degree.

I remember when he took us to Los Alamos to see the places he would be assigned to protect. He told us that whereas in other places firefighters will leave if the building is ready to collapse, the firefighters of Los Alamos cannot. They are the last line of defense against a nuclear disaster. Los Alamos is where the nuclear laboratories are housed.

I remember seeing a fellow on TV who looked a whole lot like this speaker at Jon's ceremony. He was on TV reassuring the public that his firefighters were all doing their best.

I was really feeling for all the loved ones of those firefighters these past couple of weeks knowing how worried they must be. I know Jon must have been thinking about the men and women he once worked with.

As proud as I was of Jon, I'm rather glad he's in a different kind of lab right now, researching microbes and such.

There was quite a bit of complaint in many states that they couldn't have fireworks because of how hot and dry it's been. It would only take one stray bit of tinder to ignite another horrible fire.

Please everybody, show your patriotism by respecting those brave firefighters out there who put their lives on the line for you. Skip the fireworks. Have parades, have picnics, have fun and have a wonderful 4th of July!