A friend passed away this weekend and his wake was last night. I knew Deputy Chief Wally Beahan as a good guy, a techo geek, and a fire fighter. His wake was the typical walkthrough of fire fighters of all ranks. I was asked why I was going to the funeral, did I know Wally and why I had to wait until 7pm to pay my respects after all the wake was from 3 to 9? The best answer is tradition and brotherhood. Many many people don't get that BROTHERHOOD. By participating in a walk through we are showing respect to the departed, their department, and ourselves. You dress in your Class A uniform (or as I call it monkey suit) and stand around a lot and talk to your other fire service brothers then pay your respects. The wake is a time to heal, for everyone in the brotherhood to heal. That's just what you do. Many will never get it or understand it.
Today on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 I again relive the same feelings I have every year. Those of being empty, the loss of so many, some fear, and above all a brotherhood with all those in the fire service.
Rest in Peace Wally, the original FDNY 343, NYPD, PAPD and those who have past directly related to 9/11. Rest easy we have it from here.
