Detroit Firefighter: My Brother, My Hero

I have so many heroes and wonderful people in my life. As many of my posts indicate, I get inspired by people. A lot.

One person who inspires me immensely is my own brother, Derek, who has been a Detroit firefighter for the past eight years. (Photos posted are of him!)

He works on average 48 hours a week. He is awoken in the middle of the night (interrupting REM sleep patterns constantly) just to learn the fire called in was a false alarm. He's seen run down buildings and crack houses burnt to the ground. He's helped to rescue tons of people -- including children and the elderly from burning buildings. He drives the fire engine (don't get me started for people on the road not parting ways....) And he has a heart of gold.

He cares for his family, including his wife and my two nephews, Nicholas (8) and Kyle (4). Along with his exhausting job as a firefighter, he also works all sorts of side jobs to keep afloat (i.e. cutting elderly neighbors lawns, always helping friends, etc.). I am so proud of him. He worked so hard to get where he is and he honestly LOVES his job, unlike many people in this world. Just wanted to post to say how special he is to me!

My brother Todd is also a hard-working American hero and a recent new daddy to baby Owen! But more on that to come in a future post...

For now, here's a little tribute to Derek:

A Fireman's Life

A fireman's life is one big surprise,

Usually he laughs, sometimes he cries.

There's always stress, toil and strife,

Hoping he's good enough to save just one life.

His wife understands, when he misses dinner,

If he runs out of church, don't think he's a sinner.

Answering a call, is tops on his list,

Regretting each one he's ever missed.

He tries and tries, but can't make us see,

The happiest men, still work for free.

Jumping from bed, fighting the cold,

Knowing what to do, without being told.

He rushes to the station, jumps on a truck.

Depending on skill, never on luck.

Putting his life on the line, for an unknown friend,

Hoping and praying, it won't be the end.

"The Bravest Men in the World", the title is fitting,

They all do their best, never come close to quitting.

Next time you see them, all their lights blinking,

Take just a minute, to think what they're thinking.

It's a hard job, so show them you care,

And help them out, with a little prayer.

-- Daniel S. Driscoll. --