Our First Response

As I watch the continuing coverage of yesterday's tragedy in Boston my heart breaks for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one today. For those who lie injured through no fault of their own; merely because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. For those who sit beside the beds of the injured; in disbelief that any of this really happened.

While we must never forget those whose lives were physically torn apart by the explosions, we can't help but be reminded of the brave actions of those who served - the First Responders. First Responders are the ones who; whether in an official capacity or merely because of their makeup, run toward danger to help those in need rather than shy away. Those who are willing to run into a burning structure that even the rats run out of. Those who; no matter how horrific the sights and sounds they encounter, compartmentalize their emotions for those moments in order to care for those who are hurting or mourn.

There will be tears later.

There almost always are.

They may come in the privacy of the shower after a shift. They may not come for days. They may only be shared with those who served alongside.

There will be doubts.

There almost always are.

Maybe the person's outcome could have been different if I only had...

Maybe I CouldaWouldaShoulda...

While most of our nation's First Responders have, thankfully, never had to deal with a tragedy of the magnitude of the explosions in Boston; each tragedy they are called to has the potential of being equally devastating in the lives of those they are serving. Pain, injury, loss and death are never easy; not on the loved ones who suffer alongside. Not on the innocent bystanders. And certainly not for those who answer the call to serve and protect.

Along the way; police officers, firefighters and EMT's may seem to develop a callousness. A tough outer shell that seemingly makes them impervious to the sights and sounds that sicken the rest of the world. They develop a camaraderie and a certain shared humor that helps them deal with the pain.

It's still there, though. It's why they do what they do. They have a need to help those who may be suffering their most helpless moment.

The police officers, firefighters, EMT's and medical officials who served at the race will gather in small groups in the coming days for post incident stress debriefings. It is there, in the company of the only other people who can truly understand that they will cry. And when they have finished; they will put back on their uniforms and go out to serve again.

It is to those people that I offer my heartfelt thanks. I used to be one of those people. I have laughed alongside them; and I have cried alongside them. It is perhaps my biggest regret that I no longer serve alongside them.

Let us never forget all they give for us.