The Fallen Heroes

Our LAFCU and Bobby Smith

If you have been following my BLOGS you are aware that for the past two years I have been a board member of “Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes.” The Fallen Heroes is a non-profit corporation committed to honoring the families of those law enforcement and fire service personnel who, in the performance of their duties, paid the ultimate sacrifice for those they serve.

In June The Fallen Heroes conducted our second annual Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Diablo Country Club in Northern California. Are you aware that in California during 2010 ten police officers and two firefighters died in the performance of their duties? It is likely that none of us knew them personally, but I can tell you without hesitation, they were doing what they loved; serving their communities and ensuring the safety and well being of citizens without regard for themselves. Yet sadly, at times, that service and dedication does come with a high price. In 2010, these twelve men made the ultimate sacrifice. Would they make the same career choice if given the opportunity? For my part, and with over 32 years of fire service experience, I confidently say yes.

At this point I would like to thank our credit union for the generous contribution of $1,000.00 for a golf hole sponsorship.  

The key note speaker for the dinner following the golf tournament was Bobby Smith. Bobby Smith had been a law enforcement officer in Louisiana for nine years, when on the night of March 14, 1986, at point blank range, he was shot in the face and blinded by an armed, violent drug offender. He recalls lying face down on the center lane of the highway, soaked in blood, and thinking, “will this be the day that I die?”  But Bobby chose to not give up; he chose not to die that day; he chose to live.

Life from that day on, however, would not be the same. The days, weeks, and even years following the trauma were filled with many fears about his future, daily struggles adjusting to blindness, and financial hardships. The losses were staggering: eyesight, career, self-confidence, independence, and marriage. Then tragically, in 1997, Bobby’s daughter, Kim was killed at 22 years old in an automobile accident.

The shooting, the blindness, the loss of his beloved daughter, all made Bobby realize that what he wanted to do was help others who were also going through traumatic times. He did not want them to suffer alone. He wanted to bring them hope.

Bobby has written two books. Each year he averages 120 speaking engagements, impacting audiences’ lives with his story. In fact, since 1995 it has been his privilege to speak to over a million people worldwide.

You could hear a pin drop while Bobby spoke to the 250 people during the tournament dinner. His talk makes me think of how lucky I am and perhaps you are.

We have or (in my case) had a great career that has provided job satisfaction, security and benefits to our families.  It has been an honor and a privilege to wear our uniform. We should never forget that the honor and the privilege associated with the fire service were earned by those who served before us. We must pay the same price for those who follow.

One last thought. Sometimes in our everyday activities whether it is on the job or off duty we need to think about how lucky we are. We might take for granted our health, family, job or good friends. I think about Bobby Smith when I’m stuck in traffic or having a bad day on the golf course. I know he would love to see the traffic and be happy with the situation. He would love to be able to play a round of golf even a bad one.