From the Field

    In 1995, I attended the funeral for Brother Eric Schaffer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Clipper Mill Fire. Chief Williams stated at the time how impressed he was not only by the nearly 400 Baltimore County personnel attending, but also by how sharp we looked. We impressed Chief Williams so much that he reinstated the Class A Uniform in the Baltimore City Fire Department, of which I am very proud to have been a part. Unfortunately, in October of 2006, I attended the funeral of another fallen brother, Fire Fighter Allan Roberts. Sadly, the turnout this time was anything but impressive. Approximately 75 members of our Department attended.

    No one can be busier than me. I have worked two jobs for 36 years now. However, there comes a time when you have to make a choice that just might be an inconvenience. I made that choice – to attend the funeral in spite of my packed schedule. It has taken hundreds of years to build a brotherhood that can be surpassed by no other occupation. I feel that brotherhood is slowly eroding. The statement, "we are all family," seems to be turning into a statement of, "it’s just a job."

    Brother Allan Roberts didn’t lose his life in a car accident or from a medical problem at home. He gave his life making the ultimate sacrifice. He died in the line of duty doing what he was trained to do, to help others. He did it because of his love for the job, not because "it’s just a job." I am embarrassed by the lack of attendance of Baltimore County for the sacrifice Brother Allan Roberts made.

    I have seen many changes in my 37 years as a fire fighter – some good, some not so good. This is definitely one of the not so good. It saddens my heart deeply. The "Brotherhood" is diminishing, which brings me to the reason why I am writing. I am appealing to all brothers and sisters in the Baltimore County Fire Department to keep a tradition that has taken so many years to build. We have had to change the way we fight fires today, compared to years ago. We don’t have to change the way we feel about one another and for the love of the job. Don’t let the comradery and the brotherhood ever slip away. If we do, it will indeed become "just a job."

    As always, be safe, stay low, and always have water.

Fraternally,

"Brother Bones"
John E. Schreiber Sr.
Fire Specialist 5-D