Mrs. De Leon

[DavidI]

Tonight I will have a shot of Jack Daniels in remembrance of Mrs. De Leon. While on duty 19 years ago this day, I responded to a call of a house fire with people trapped inside. A Christmas tree had ignited. When I arrived, the house was fully engulfed and flames were coming out of the windows. I and a volunteer firefighter entered the house crawling on our hands and knees in an attempt to rescue the occupants. I was able to drag Mrs. De Leon out of the house. The firefighter was also trapped inside and I went back in and dragged him out. I performed CPR on her, although she had suffered 3rd degree burns over 80% of her body. You never forget the smell of a human body burning.... She survived for a week. Two others inside the house perished aw well.

I was awarded the Medal of Valor, but I have always wondered if I had received the call 5 minutes earlier if I could have saved them all.

Here's to you Mrs. De Leon......David

[Noah930]

And to you, David. Thanks for your service.

[Oh Haha]

I'll raise a toast of Maxwell House to Mrs. Deleon and you.

Thank you for your service. I couldn't do your job.

[doug_porsche]

David,

I learned this from M*A*S*H

"There are two rules of war. Rule number one is that young men die. Rule number two is that doctors can't change rule number one." (Henry Blake)

I know your situation was different, but you get the idea.

Thank you for all your successes!

I raise a shot to you, and all of the professionals like you.

[creaturecat]

Nice work.
Did you receive trauma counselling after the event?
I would hope so.
That's tough stuff to have to deal with.

[herr_oberst]

Here's to you and Mrs. De Leon.

[DavidI]

creaturecat, I was too macho to talk about it for a few years. I eventually did and now talk about this particular incident with the young cops. I ensure all of my crew receives the counseling following traumatic events.

Thanks my friends, David

[Nostril Cheese]

You stepped up when most could or would not.

A shot of Grand Marnier to you sir.

[fanaudical]

David - Thank you for doing what's got to be one of the toughest jobs on the planet.

[sammyg2]

David, I don't know if you remember me but I too know that smell. I doubt it will ever go away.
It is best that she passed.
Merry Christmas, I offer a toast and a prayer for you.

[Seahawk]

David,

Humble is a term I don't often use or an emotion I personally feel.

But, after reading your post, all my humble respect. I frankly don't know what else to write.

Best.

[azasadny]

Salute!

[M.D. Holloway]

David,
Your a good man, no...a great man. Thank you for what you did, do and will do.

[LakeCleElum]

David - I'd buy you some Jack if you were closer........Thanx for all your years of dedicated service......(Who the hell would rate this one star? - I give 5 stars)

[DavidI]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

David, I don't know if you remember me but I too know that smell. I doubt it will ever go away.
It is best that she passed.
Merry Christmas, I offer a toast and a prayer for you.

Of course I remember you Sammy! A long time ago, I could not solve a problem with my car. You came over and 15 minutes later it ran like a charm!

I'll always be grateful my friend, David

[DavidI]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

David - I'd buy you some Jack if you were closer........Thanx for all your years of dedicated service......(Who the hell would rate this one star? - I give 5 stars)

and your dedicated years of service as well my friend.....