Fire Station 39 in Houston, Texas: Everyday Heroes

Fire Station 39; ensconced near the corner of Pickfair and Kelley Streets, in one Houston's oldest neighborhoods, Kashmere Gardens, is an unassuming squat brick building. The firemen, of Station 39, handle their requisite duties, going about their business with very little fanfare. It's easy to assume that they have shed their hero status and are no longer interested in coming to the aid of their fellow man. Many of us are so preoccupied with news of the day. Checking to see if this is the day when the world will take a tumble into hell in its trusty hand basket. We either fail to acknowledge the small kindnesses that take place in our lives or we don't take any joy from them. I take the time to tell this story to honor these men who may not know what a difference their small kindnesses make.

If you've ever lost a pet then you know the pain and anguish. My aunt is elderly and can no longer wrangle the animals so I visit and take care of them for her. I'd grown quite attached to my aunt's new puppy. The little dickens was a sweet bundle of fur, just a mutt, but the smartest one I'd ever run across. I missed a visit and when I returned the puppy was sick with a sudden onset of the Parvovirus. Too weakened by the ravages of this horrible disease on his little body, he died. I wanted to bury the little sweetie but discovered my aunt had no shovel. After checking with several people in the neighborhood who either didn't have a shovel or didn't have the time to humor me, I decided to check with the guys at Station 39.

Not only did they have a shovel but the captain sent them to dig the grave for me. I thank Tyrone and Ralie for not just following the captain's orders, but for really seeming to be happy to help me out. I told them that I was grateful and that I'd write about them. They probably thought I'd taken leave of my senses so I'm making good on the promise and letting Tyrone, Ralie and Station 39 know that they exhibited compassion, concern and commitment by coming to help me and I am appreciative. I could end this here and it would be an adequate thanks but this is not the first time the men of Station 39 have come to our aid.

There was the time when one of our dogs broke her chain and ran under the house only to have the loose end of the dangling chain become ensnared in the maze of pipes that run underneath the house. Try as we might we couldn't reach her. There was the time when my little cousin going through her pyro phase threw a sock into a Torchiere lamp and almost set the house ablaze. The fireman's close proximity and quick action saved us from severe damage. Yes there was even the time when they helped get the cat out of the tree. While none of what they've done has garnered them any television praise and there are those who would argue that they were simply doing their jobs, I want to let them know that we will forever be grateful and if I am ever in a position to help them or the Houston Fire Department, it will be my great honor because they have been so gracious throughout the years.