Band of brave carry on despite hard times

Firefighting is a profession that calls for bravery and strength in

the face of adversity. The men and women of our local departments

repeatedly have lived up to that standard. And they have shown

courage and camaraderie in what can only be described as a very

trying year.

The Newport Beach Fire Department was hit hardest as it said

goodbye to two colleagues: Randy Scheerer, who passed away Dec. 20 of

a heart attack; and Al Schmehl, who died in August of brain cancer.

Sheerer, 53, and Schmehl, 51, were struck down in their prime,

leaving the department reeling from the loss of its highly regarded

members.

Fire personnel also endured the pain of not only watching

colleague Brian Slater battle through critical injury after a body

boarding accident, but also responding to a routine call on Labor Day

weekend to find his life being balanced in their expert hands.

Slater is recovering but is still out of service.

The department has persevered, despite losing more than 75 years

of experience and the inspiration that comes from decorated senior

members.

Add to those losses the raging wild fires in San Bernardino and

San Diego counties, in which local fire fighters lent their support,

and there was a long stretch of hurdles our local heroes had to

cross.

What is most notable, however, is the sense of community in the

tightly knit industry. Hundreds of supporters, including area

residents, fellow firefighters and civilian employees, rallied in

support.

Hundreds of sympathetic eyes gave comforting glances to Scheerer’s

widow, Marilyn, as she said good-bye to her husband. A chorus of

grieving voices came together to honor Schmehl with one of his

favorite songs, “Band of Brothers.” And hundreds of those who were

touched by the undying spirit of injured paramedic Slater flooded the

lobby of Hoag Hospital with prayer and positive energy.

Challenges such as these often test the mettle of even the most

valiant of people. As area firefighters turn the page on 2003, they

can be confident that, together, they have proven their strength.

They can be assured that their bond and relentless spirit will only

get stronger in the year to come.