Small town America "forgotten"

Ron Atchison

Ron Atchison

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I received an e-mail today from FirefightersCloseCalls.com and was really moved by it enough so that I wanted to share it with you guys.

But first my rant about the way games in the political arena are so too often being played and at the expense of the people left behind to try and pick up after. This community is a very good illustation. Is this what we've become in America? I don't think so, but for some its all about lining their pockets. I know progress takes many shapes and forms and yes we need progress to continue but at what price? I don't know anyone in this community in fact until today I had never even heard of it. But one things for sure, this country is lucky to have people like this guy in their communities. It shows there are still the values past generations of this country have always had and what it was built on. This guy may in the end give his life for another. There is no other more honorable feat a person can do period.

Here is the mail I got and a video with this same guy giving a tour of his community, sadly it not much of one anymore.


Hey,
A Fire Officer with the well known Kinloch Fire Protection District (St. Louis County) has been hospitalized in grave condition. A few weeks ago KFPD crews responded to a dwelling fire and rescued a teenage boy from the burning house. Hours later, back at quarters Captain Richard Parks, 47, collapsed and he's been hospitalized ever since.

Kinloch is well known-but sadly not for necessarily good reasons in past years-as it is not a wealthy community by any stretch of the imagination - and neither is the all-volunteer fire company. Captain Parks was instrumental in getting media attention focused on their fiscal needs and has been known to give his own money to keep the company going. Captain Parks has been a part of the Kinloch FPD since he was 16 years old. We wish him a rapid recovery.

HERE is a link to a graphic video that highlights the challenges of the KFPD.
====Warning-rough language and strong opinion-which should not be surprising if you have spent more than 30 seconds with a Firefighter-but it's 2012 sooo we figured we would warn you:

[video=youtube_share;7ZUva0cRt1k&feature=youtube_gdata_player"]A Tour of Kinloch, Missouri - YouTube[/video]
 
shaking my head.......Wishing him quick recovery!
 
Powerful video. The Gentleman in the video is Darran Kelly, Chief of Kinloch Protection District not the Firefighter in the email. Just my 2cents.


Sent from my iPhone using AG Online
 
Thanks for clearing that up on who is who but either way.........
 
:(:(Anyone can drive around and complain. Why not step up and do something? It does not cost anything to pick up trash.
 
I think maybe your missing the point and haven't read the entire e-mail. He is stepping up he's volunteering his time and as the mail said at least one person the Captain the one hospitalized is using his own money to help finance the volunteer fire department.

I'm not blaming all of this communities problems on any one thing, I'm sure there are lots of factors that come into play. But one thing for sure is the politicians are the ones making the decisions that effect all of us. They are cutting public safety(police &fire) and school teachers everywhere. The people that we rely on the most. The ones who keep us safe and educate our children. If you follow any of it, all across America they are going after school teachers salaries and pensions. They are reducing numbers like crazy its estimated that 50% of all school teachers that graduate from college this year will not find a job!! And those that do will probably start out around 35,000 a year with a 4 year degree. But play a sport and earn millions, something is wrong.
 
rzatch said:
I'm not blaming all of this communities problems on any one thing, I'm sure there are lots of factors that come into play. But one thing for sure is the politicians are the ones making the decisions that effect all of us. They are cutting public safety(police &fire) and school teachers everywhere. The people that we rely on the most. The ones who keep us safe and educate our children. If you follow any of it, all across America they are going after school teachers salaries and pensions. They are reducing numbers like crazy its estimated that 50% of all school teachers that graduate from college this year will not find a job!! And those that do will probably start out around 35,000 a year with a 4 year degree. But play a sport and earn millions, something is wrong.
Click to expand...

I agree with what you said.

Fact is thou, we have voted this people into office. Don't like something, change it. Go to rallys, write your politicians, become involved. Vote your politicians out of work - Not voting at all doesn't make change. Vote for someone else - write it your name. We must do something than the "norm" to change what is going on.

I wonder how many people on here have been to a rally for an issue of any kind, any party, or even for support of a group.

If been to a few (3 exactly) political rallys. I've been part of the CF (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation) and have gone to 2 local fundraisers when there nearby and have written my representives to help find a cure.

Our socitey has become one of the most polticial inept in our history, IMHO.

PS: I did watch to video and read the email. I hope the Captain has a fast recovery!! And that things change for that community.
 
Tragic ending email.

Line of Duty Death of Captain/Engineer Richard Parks

Friday, May 11, 2012 It is with deep regret that we advise you of the Line of Duty Death of Captain/Engineer Richard Parks at the age of 47. Captain/Engineer Parks of the Kinloch Fire Protection District, St. Louis County Missouri. Captain Parks suffered a medical emergency shortly after returning to the fire station following a structure fire with successful rescue of a 16 year old victim.
Captain Parks began serving the Kinloch Fire Protection District as a Junior member of the district and became a Firefighter at the age of 18, and has provided a total of 31 years of service to the community
 
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