Mourning a Hero

This afternoon, one of the exceptionally brave members of the Los Angeles Fire Department died in the line of duty, responding to an explosion in the Westchester business district near LAX.

According to the LAFD blog, "Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien, age 35, a 10 year veteran of the LAFD assigned to the 'A' Platoon at Fire Station 95 since October 2005, died shortly after arrival at the Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center, Marina Campus.

"Engineer Anthony J. Guzman, age 48, an 18 year veteran of the LAFD assigned to the 'A' Platoon at Fire Station 95 since February 2002, suffered multiple fractures and facial trauma. He was transported to the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, where he remains in serious but stable condition following surgery."

In the past year, with reports of hazing and with allegations of racial and gender discrimination within the department, the reputation of the LAFD has been bruised. While such behavior cannot be excused, it so important to remember that these men and women are heroes, who literally risk their lives for us every day.

At moments like this, I always think of the Bruce Springsteen song, "Into the Fire," which was released shortly after 9-11:

" The sky was falling and streaked with blood
I heard you calling me then you disappeared into the dust
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs into the fire

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love"

Brent Lovrien, Anthony Guzman, and all the members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I salute you.