Sunday became a challenge to the team as a result of Ike. We realized Saturday that we may feel some of the effects but predictions at that time had us ahead of the weather. Our first stop was in Upland, IN where Sidney Alan Hall (age 52) was killed when he fell through a floor into the basement in a house fire. We were able to contact the Chief and we had over an hour visit with him. We were also able to provide CD’s to Medic Unit crews housed in the same building. The Chief attempted to make contact with the Chief of the next station we were going to but was not able to. We ended our visit in prayer and headed to Eaton, IN.
Jay C. Maddy (age 41) died in the Line of Duty when he collapsed with a heart attack while on a fire watch. There had been a series of arson fires that put the town in fear and on a curfew. Making his death that much harder to handle was the fact that there were 20 more serious arson fires in the week following. No one was at the fire station so we went to an EMS station nearby. The Chief and some members met us there. While we waited we were able to witness to EMT’s that were on duty. The Chief’s wife was a friend from childhood on with Jay. We were able to provide them with our normal resources and Dave brought Bibles from the Gideons that they eagerly accepted. The wind at this point was picking up rapidly and a little rain began to fall. After about an hour we exchanged contact information, we prayed and hit the road.
Our next destination was Cowan Volunteer Fire Department in Muncie, IN. Bradley Green (age 53) died after suffering a heart attack as a result of overheating and exhaustion on a scene of a tanker roll over. God has been very faithful to us by placing the people we need to see at the right place and at the right time. This visit was no exception. The Chief and his wife had “stopped by” the fire station to get ice for a meeting at their house. They were only to be there for 10 – 15 minutes. We changed that. We presented the plaque, the CD’s and Treasures in Darkness book for his widow. After a time of prayer with the couple we began our trek into Oz.
The next stop was Mechanicsburg (OH) Fire Department. By now the wind was a sustained 50 mph with gusts in excess of 75 mph (78 mph to be exact). Jon Trainer (age 38) fell off the top of an engine while racking the hose after a fire. He died of extensive head injuries. While traveling we began to dodge fallen trees, downed power lines and poles, corn stalks, cows… you name it. We finally got into town after altering our route multiple times. The fire station was empty of apparatus but there were a few people. God at work again, the Chaplain of the company was there helping to coordinate the rescue efforts. We made the presentation (quickly) and we promised to return in the future. He warned us of tornado sightings in the area and we headed out after praying for all of our safety. Leaving became a challenge because most of the streets were blocked by fallen trees. Some of them were huge. We debated going back to the station, rolling up our sleeves and helping out but we would become just 3 more people for them to have to deal with so we continued on. We FINALLY made it safely to the interstate and headed to Pennsylvania for our final stop of the day.
We had to fight the wind the whole way but eventually we made it to Roscoe Volunteer Fire Company, Roscoe, PA. (just south of Pittsburg). Sean Whiten (age 47) died on the scene of a training exercise while taking a mandated rest break. We were welcomed with wide open arms. We ended up eating dinner there provided by the members and we spent over 2 hours there with them. All the members jumped into action cooking us dinner. We were led to believe that they had it out already and we could just finish up their leftovers. We became members for the night of the Roscoe Fire Co., enjoying food and fellowship. Tomorrow we will be heading to Shranksville, (PA) Volunteer Fire Department they were the first on the scene of Flight 93’s crash on 9/11. We thank all that prayed for us during the Oz-fest. We wanted to get pictures but it was hard to do, like anything when you are in danger. We may have 1 or 2. Personally I thought I gave all that up when I got my desk job. Most likely there will not be a report from Monday but Im always open to God’s plans so that might change.
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