It was in WV and was just starting to snow on Christmas Eve 2000. There was a major structure fire and at least 3 departments had responded. I was a flight nurse at the time. The structure started to collapse and 4 firefighters (inside looking for two people who were not there) were caught when the ceiling burning fell on them. When we received the initial call I did not know that the victims I would be treating were firefighters, the silent heroes.

Upon arriving on scene we flew 2 out immediately. I treated the most severe – a 25 yr old 1st year rookie that who was burned over 60 % of his body with 2nd degree burns. We took him to West Penn Burn Center, one of the best.

The Christmas miracle was that the 4 firefighters all made it. Everyone on duty in the surrounding departments spent that night after the fire as a family, being there for each other.

All firefighters are unsung heroes who are respected for what they do.

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