What I think the brave New York City firefighters of 9/11 would want to tell us.. if they were here today.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

I have been with the Columbus Division of Fire for 30 years. During

those years I have had the opportunity to work in or spend some time in

each of the Division's 32 fire stations. I have had occasions to meet

and work with firefighters from other departments and other cities. I

can tell you that from engine house to engine house the faces and the

names may change, but one thing remains consistent, and that is the

closeness of the men and women who staff them.

We live in those fire stations together like a family. You see, there is a sister and

brotherhood amongst all firefighters and a common bond that we share,

not just in our community, but from coast to coast across this great

land. It is not uncommon for a firefighter to visit a fire station far

from home in another city and be warmly accepted as one of the "family."

I never actually met any of the 343 firefighters whom we honor here

today. Like many of you, I have gotten to know some of them during the

past ten years, through various news accounts and documentaries.

Some stories entail a family tradition involving fathers, sons, brothers, and uncles;

while others tell of an individual with a passion to help others.

Their stories are familiar to those of us in the fire service.

I didn’t know these men personally, but I know them just the same.

It is from this standpoint, as a sister firefighter, that I would like

to talk to you about what these brave men would want us to know. I do

not presume to speak directly for them, rather I would like to address,

in general terms, what I think they might convey to us if they were

right here with us, in this room today.

First, they would, most likely, wonder what all the fuss was about and

humbly reject the hero status that we have placed upon them. After all,

it is routine for firefighters to run into a hazardous situation when

everyone else is running the other direction. "It's what we are trained

to do, the citizens should expect no less." they might add. They would

claim that they were merely performing their job and pass along a quote

from a long-ago chief, a quote they all learned back in the training

academy:

"A firefighter performs one single act of bravery during their entire

career, and that's when he or she takes the oath to serve and protect, after

that, everything else is in the line of duty."

They would tell us that, given the chance, they would do it all over

again without any regrets, save for one, and that is that their rescue

efforts were cut short by the untimely collapses and they were unable to

rescue each and every person trapped in the towers. However they would

display great pride at the success they did have in helping so many to

safety and the thousands of lives that they did manage to save in such a

short period of time. All of whom are now living legacies to those

firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lastly, they would offer much gratitude to the countless citizens that

rushed to the aid of their broken families that they were forced to

leave behind. People showed up from all walks of life to help. Some were

doctors, nurses, clergymen, social workers, engineers, steel workers,

the list goes on and on. Some were volunteers who simply showed up to

help in absolutely anyway they could. The fallen firefighters would want

you to know that they thank you.

You see, it's the citizen's that we are sworn to protect that are often

times our heroes. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They don't need a

badge or a uniform. Sometimes they show up at the most unlikely of times

or places. They are all around us if you take the time to notice them...

That is what I think the brave New York City firefighters of 9/11 would

want to tell us.. if they were here today.

n closing, I want you all to know that the tragedy that we all endured ten

years ago has not weakened our determination as emergency first

responders to serve and protect you. Rather, it has strengthened our

resolve. We are committed to preserving our freedom and our way of life.

Rest assured that when the next emergency call comes in, no matter how big or how small,

we will be ready and we will respond, without hesitation, not just

in this community, but from every community across the United States.

That is our duty, that is our bond, that is our honor.

About the author: Captain Lana Moore is a 30-year veteran of The Columbus Division of Fire. Her current assignment is Northmoor Engine House #19 located in the neighborhood known as Clintonville in Columbus, Ohio. She originally wrote and delivered this speech on the first anniversary of 9-11 at Central College Presbyterian Church. Now, nine years later on the tenth anniversary, with a few minor updates, she shared her speech at North Congregational Church of Christ where she is a member and serves as Moderator. She lives in Westerville, Ohio and has two children, Lauren & Nicholas.

“BEE” THE CHANGE

Bee the ChangeMonday, April 18, 2011

Currently there seems to be quite a lot of negative energy bouncing around the “trans blogosphere.” I’ve been watching and reading with much sadness and disappointment. People seem to have lost their inhibitions to spew into the public arena any old thought that happens to enter their minds. What happened to mature social interaction? Is this how people behave face to face? Of course not, because in an actual encounter, we make eye contact, we collect all the facial expressions and emotion that another radiates to us. So, on line, with the perceived protection of time, distance, and shielding it would seem that essential tenets of human courtesy are missing.

What bothers me most, I think, is when I have friends on each side of some of these ad hominem attacks and I know both of these fine people to be mature, caring, and intelligent individuals who have apparently gotten lost in the passion of their debate. I feel as though I must suddenly choose which one to side with. Ultimately, I choose not to take the cheese, lest I get drawn into this lose-lose conundrum. After all, which is more important—being right, or getting it right?

We owe it to the ones who have blazed the trails ahead of us as well as to those who will follow in our paths to listen and dialogue with the level of mutual respect that all human beings deserve. Never before was the axiom “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” more poignant. Look, if we can’t even seem to agree—or at least be civil in our disagreements—how can we ever expect to make any inroads with regards to changing the hearts and minds of the “mainstream?”

Another phenomenon I am also seeing is something a friend recently described to me as “Crab Mentality.” This describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither should you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs, individually the crabs could escape from the pot, but instead, they grab at each other in a useless "king of the hill" competition (or sabotage) which prevents any from escaping and ensures their collective demise.

The analogy in human behavior is that of a group that will attempt to "pull down" (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of jealousy, conspiracy or competitive feelings.

This term is associated with short-sighted, non-constructive thinking rather than a unified, long-term, constructive mentality. It is also used colloquially in reference to individuals or communities attempting to "escape" a so-called "underprivileged life", but kept from doing so by others attempting to ride upon their coat-tails or those who simply resent their success."

My partner, Chloe has become a lightening rod for much of the blog negativity. I lost count of the commenters who start by admitting their prejudice, stating that they did not or “could not” even watch her ABC television show and then comes the big BUT, as they go on to ignorantly rip the show and her personally. There is a difference between--an informed questioning and commentary of a person’s perceived motives and/or judgment--and outright pillorying them.

And then there is the whole “Bee Sting” fiasco. It doesn’t help that it has been mischaracterized, or at least presented it in a way that was easily misunderstood, but Chloe has explained it clearly and concisely, more than once. Obviously the bee sting did not “turn her into a woman” but, like Al Gore’s “I invented the internet” misnomer, this is just too irresistible for the “crabs in the pot” to let go of. This has actually become amusing for us to watch as it takes on a life of its own.

Chloe understands this and she knows all too well that this sort of thing goes with the territory when one puts themselves “out there” the way she has. She can take it. I can say with first hand experience because I know her personally--and obviously I am biased so you may take this for what it is worth--that Chloe is one of the most caring and genuine people I have ever met. She is strong and principled, yet kind and caring. She stands up for what she believes, but will readily admit when she is wrong. Above all, she is human, like you and me, which takes me back to my broader points at the beginning of this piece. Let us not forget our humanity as we navigate and interact within the cold digital social matrix of the internet blogoshpere.

I am also happy to report that for every public harsh negative criticism launched at Chloe, there are probably one hundred messages of gratitude and encouragement received “behind the scenes.” So, it is like I have been telling my children, don’t get sucked into the negativity, sometimes you gotta do what you know is right for you, no matter what others will think or say. Follow what is in your heart because acquiescing to the bullies, only validates their angry cause. Words will only get you so far, it takes action. You must set the example, you must Be The Change you want to see.

We welcome you... IF you change your mind.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

I just had a nice little visit from two gentleman knocking on my door. They were Jehovah Witnesses welcoming me to their church.

"Me?" I asked a bit surprised, "..are you open and affirming?"

"Sure!" they answered. Upon further discussion it was apparent they had no idea what that meant. You should've seen their eyes widen when I told them that I was born with a male body. They still maintained I was welcome to come and be "changed." No thanks I answered politely, I've done enough changing for now!

I've never been a big fan of someone coming to my home uninvited and unannounced to speak to me about something as personal as my faith. It just seems presumptions and discourteous to me. In the past I used to get angry and rude about it and I feel bad and somewhat ashamed about acting that way. These days, I am much more kind and polite. I used this opportunity to share with them some of my story (the Reader's Digest version of course). I told them how I have had several people approach me, hug me, and share with me their own stories of self-reflection and how my situation, which bothered them at first, ultimately inspired them to look inward to examine some tough questions about themselves.

I invited these gentlemen to open thier own hearts and minds towards accepting all of God's children as he created them--and not just when it is easy. They both smiled and nodded nervously, "Yeah, but...." as they returned to their canned presentation. It was obviouse that they did not come to my doorstep to have real dialouge, to which I was not surprised at all. It's what I expected, but I only hope that I gave them just a little something to consider.

We're all in this together!

Friday, December 24. 2010

I used to have extreme dislike for the crowds in public places this time of year, not anymore. Now, I savor a feeling of unity. This is the one time of year when it seems so many are on the "same page" so-to-speak.

Enjoy the Crowd

Oh sure, there are the the anxious, the angry, and the frustrated amoung us. There are those who are all caught up in the hustle and bustle, but by and large the overwhelming majority of people keep it under control. And I think that deep-down, those who are not in complete control of their emotions actually mean well.

Most are on the very same quest--we want the same things--to get home in time to connect with family and friends, to hold our lover in a warm embrace, to find that special gift that brings a glow and a smile, to watch a child's eyes sparkle with innocence and joy, to happily sing those familar songs that we dust off once a year, to sip a warm holiday drink, to enjoy a good meal, and most of all, to clelebrate our spiritual connection to God in whatever manner our particular faith prescribes.

Lately I have seen people coming out of the woodwork to offer up gifts to stangers, to donate money, food, a helping hand, or their time and talents--all in the spirit of goodwill towards their fellow man. Wouldn't it be nice if it would last beyond the holidays and we could all hold on to this feeling throughout the year? After all, we are ultimately all on the same team, aren't we?