A fellow firefighter died of cancer last week. We buried him yesterday. I belong to the Red Knights, a motorcycle club of firefighters. I arrived a little behind the group and sat in the pew behind them. Mark Hidalgo was a safety inspector at the refinery. The entire safety department was sitting all together wearing their red nomex clothing.
When the service was over, the funeral directors had the safety department get up first, then us. We stood on either side of the door as the family and then the people filed out of the church. We warmed up our bikes then killed them as the procession was organized.
The family limos pulled out followed by the motorcycle escort. Behind us was Engine 2, a pumper from the refinery followed by two more safety trucks with their lights blazing. The hearse followed right behind them.
The honor guard stood at attention with chrome fire axes and American flags, we saluted as the casket went by. The casket had four Maltese crosses on the corner, the emblem of a firefighter.
At the grave sight, when the final words were said, the emergency tone went out from all of the safety officers radios. It is a high pitched, warbling tone that last for about five seconds. This is like blowing a dog whistle to a firefighter, it signifies an emergency.
When the tone stopped, a voice came on, "Emergency Dispatch to Captain Mark Hidalgo."
The fire chief answered, "Captain Mark Hidalgo is out of service."
The dispatcher answered, "Copy, Captain Mark Hidalgo is out of service."
The fire chief then said "Rest in peace Mark Hidalgo."
Indeed, rest in peace brother.
When the service was over, the funeral directors had the safety department get up first, then us. We stood on either side of the door as the family and then the people filed out of the church. We warmed up our bikes then killed them as the procession was organized.
The family limos pulled out followed by the motorcycle escort. Behind us was Engine 2, a pumper from the refinery followed by two more safety trucks with their lights blazing. The hearse followed right behind them.
The honor guard stood at attention with chrome fire axes and American flags, we saluted as the casket went by. The casket had four Maltese crosses on the corner, the emblem of a firefighter.
At the grave sight, when the final words were said, the emergency tone went out from all of the safety officers radios. It is a high pitched, warbling tone that last for about five seconds. This is like blowing a dog whistle to a firefighter, it signifies an emergency.
When the tone stopped, a voice came on, "Emergency Dispatch to Captain Mark Hidalgo."
The fire chief answered, "Captain Mark Hidalgo is out of service."
The dispatcher answered, "Copy, Captain Mark Hidalgo is out of service."
The fire chief then said "Rest in peace Mark Hidalgo."
Indeed, rest in peace brother.
