At Half-Staff

At Half-Staff

By Ray McCormack

Only the President or a State Governor can order the flag flown at half-staff. This is a high honor and symbolizes the deep loss felt by the people of the State or Country. The death of Firefighter Mark Falkenhan in Maryland this week prompted the Governor to order flags flown half-staff until the funeral on Monday. When placing the flag at half-staff: it is first raised completely – then lowered to its half-staff position. This is important, as it shows respect for the fallen by being raised completely; then lowered to remind us of our loss. We can learn a lot from this simple procedure: When we lose one of our own, we must first honor their sacrifice and tend to those left behind – and our flag waving in the breeze is there to help us to never forget.

2011 Milwaukee American Lung Association Stair Climb

Who's Talking Now?

Who’s Talking Now?

By Ray McCormack

Watch your step. Be careful. Be safe, indeed – and watch what you read. Today the fire service critic lives in a protected area: the internet – and is not required to have any fire experience to draw upon. Like birds awaiting Momma’s feeding, fire service critics sit with mouths’ open, ready to chew on whatever mistake or omission is provided them. How does that happen? How do we collectively know it is wrong and still allow it to exist? Does outrage serve as amusement? Is it the accident we cannot look away from that draws us in? A senior firefighter once remarked upon being interrupted: “The Firefighters are talking now.”